To express the amount $15,528.23 in the form \( a \times 10^n \), we first convert the number into scientific notation.
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Identify \( a \): We write \( 15,528.23 \) as \( 1.552823 \times 10^4 \) because we move the decimal point four places to the left.
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Round \( a \): We round \( 1.552823 \) to one significant figure:
- The first digit is 1. Since the next digit (5) is 5 or greater, we round up, giving us \( 2 \).
Thus, the rounded value of \( a \) is 2.
- Determine \( n \): Since we moved the decimal point four places to the left, \( n = 4 \).
Putting it all together, we express \( 15,528.23 \) in the form \( a \times 10^n \): \[ 15,528.23 \approx 2 \times 10^4 \]
So the final answer is \( 2 \times 10^4 \).