The projected benefit obligation was underfunded at the end of 2021 by: $40,000
Solution:
Given,
PBO, January 1, Â Â Â Â Â Â $240,000
    December 31,     $270,000
pension plan assets (fair value) January 1, Â Â Â Â Â $180,000
                          December 31,   $230,000
Now ,
The projected benefit obligation was underfunded at the end of 2021 by :
PBO Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ($270,000)
Plan assets          230,000
Funded status       ($40,000) [ $270,000 - 230,000 ]
∴ The projected benefit obligation was underfunded at the end of 2021 by: $40,000