To solve this we are going to use the formula for future value: [tex]FV=PV(1+ \frac{r}{n} )^{nt}[/tex]
where
[tex]FV[/tex] is the future value
[tex]PV[/tex] is the present value
[tex]r[/tex] is the interest rate in decimal form
[tex]n[/tex] is the number of times the interest is compounded per year
[tex]t[/tex] is the time in years
We know for our problem that [tex]FV=12300[/tex], [tex]r= \frac{4}{100} =0.04[/tex], and [tex]t=4[/tex]. Since the interest is compounded quarterly, it is compounded 4 times per year; therefore, [tex]n=4[/tex]. Lets replace those values in our formula to find and solve for [tex]PV[/tex]:
[tex]FV=PV(1+ \frac{r}{n} )^{nt}[/tex]
[tex]12300=PV(1+ \frac{0.04}{4} )^{(4)(4)}[/tex]
[tex]PV= \frac{12300}{(1+ \frac{0.04}{4} )^{(4)(4)} }[/tex]
[tex]PV=10489.70[/tex]
We can conclude that the present amount needed to have $12,300 after 4 years according to your given choices is $10,489.69