The cash flows from $($used for$)$ operating activities are reported by the direct method on the statement of cash flows. Determine the following:

a$.$ If sales for the current year were $$690,200$ and accounts receivable decreased by $$35,200$ during the year, what was the amount of cash received from customers?

$fill in the blank $1$

b$.$ If income tax expense for the current year was $$47,700$ and income tax payable decreased by $$5,200$ during the year, what was the amount of cash paid for income taxes?

$fill in the blank $2$