Answer: Check attachment
Explanation:
a. Prepare the January 1, 2017, journal entry to record the bonds' issuance.
This has been attached. Kindly note that the discount on bond payable was calculated as:
= Bond payable - Cash
= 1,600,000 - 1,382,579
= 217,421
b. Prepare the journal entries to record the first two interest payments.
Check attachment as the first two interest payments on June 30th 2017 and December 31st, 2017 has been attached.