1. **State the problem:** We need to find the plan view (top view) of a rectangular prism with dimensions 6 cm height, 16 cm length, and 12 cm width, using a scale of 1:4. 2. **Understand the plan view:** The plan view shows the shape as seen from above, so it represents the length and width dimensions, not the height. 3. **Apply the scale:** The scale 1:4 means every 4 cm in real life is represented as 1 cm on the plan. 4. **Calculate scaled dimensions:** - Scaled length = $\frac{16}{4} = 4$ cm - Scaled width = $\frac{12}{4} = 3$ cm 5. **Interpret the plan view:** The plan view should be a rectangle of 4 cm by 3 cm on the grid. 6. **Conclusion:** The plan view is a rectangle with dimensions 4 units by 3 units on the grid, matching the scaled length and width of the prism's base. **Final answer:** The plan view is a rectangle of dimensions $4 \times 3$ units on the grid.