$$15,100,230.$

a$.$ Journalize the entries to record the following:

Issuance of the bonds.

First semiannual interest payment. The bond discount amortization is combined with the semiannual interest payment.

Second semiannual interest payment. The bond discount amortization is combined with the semiannual interest payment.

If an amount box does not require an entry, leave it blank. Round your answers to the nearest dollar.

$1.$

$2.$

b$.$ Determine the amount of the bond interest expense for the first year. Round your answer to the nearest dollar.

$

c$.$ Why was the company able to issue the bonds for only $$15,100,230$ rather than for the face amount of $$16,300,000?$

The market rate of interest is the contract rate of interest.