Step 1 :Convert the interest rate from a percentage to a decimal by dividing by 100: \(r = 6.5\% = 0.065\)
Step 2 :Rearrange the formula for future value to solve for present value: \(P = \frac{A}{1 + rt}\)
Step 3 :Substitute the given values into the formula: \(P = \frac{\$16,000}{1 + 0.065 \times 4}\)
Step 4 :Simplify the equation: \(P = \frac{\$16,000}{1 + 0.26}\)
Step 5 :Calculate the present value: \(P = \frac{\$16,000}{1.26}\)
Step 6 :\(\boxed{P = \$12,698.41}\)