In meeting with a prospective client, you are presented with the following facts and circumstances: Twenty$-$five years ago, the client began an investment program. Today the investment is worth $$350,000.$ The client made annual payments of $$12,000$ per year. What was the average annual rate of return over the period? A$.1\mathrm{.}25$B$.1\mathrm{.}26$C$.1\mathrm{.}52$ D$.1\mathrm{.}62$