Step 1 :Given that the annuity payment (PMT) is $600, the interest rate per period (r) is 5.1% or 0.051, and the number of periods (n) is 4 years, we can use the formula for the present value of an annuity to find the amount to be deposited at the beginning of the 4-year period. The formula is: \(P = PMT \times \frac{1 - (1 + r)^{-n}}{r}\)
Step 2 :Substituting the given values into the formula, we get: \(P = 600 \times \frac{1 - (1 + 0.051)^{-4}}{0.051}\)
Step 3 :Calculating the above expression, we find that \(P = 2122.637434235277\)
Step 4 :Rounding to the nearest cent, the amount to be deposited at the beginning of the 4-year period is \(\boxed{2122.64}\)
Step 5 :To find the total interest received over the 4-year period, we first calculate the total amount received, which is \(PMT \times n = 600 \times 4 = 2400\)
Step 6 :The interest is the total amount received minus the initial deposit, so \(interest = 2400 - 2122.637434235277 = 277.36256576472306\)
Step 7 :Rounding to the nearest cent, the total interest received over the 4-year period is \(\boxed{277.36}\)