Sarah was supposed to make a payment of $$4,500$ in $2$ years and another payment for $$1,500$ in $5$ years to Loon Company as part of a payment plan.

Instead, he is trying to reach an agreement with the company where he would pay an upfront amount now, and an amount of $$1,900$ in $3$ years. Assume that money is worth $6\mathrm{.}18\%$ compounded quarterly.

a$.$ Calculate the equivalent value of the $$4,500$ payment and the $$1,500$ payment today

Round to the nearest cent

b$.$ Calculate the upfront amount that he should pay under the alternative payment agreement so that the payments are equivalent.

Round to the nearest cent