Final answer:
The rate of return on the father's lottery winnings, which are set up to provide annual perpetuity payments to his heirs, is 5.33%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the rate of return, we need to use the concept of perpetuity, where a fixed sum of money is paid out indefinitely. The formula for the present value of a perpetuity is given by PV = PMT / r, where PV is the present value of the lottery winnings, PMT is the annual payment, and r is the rate of return. By rearranging the formula to solve for r, we get r = PMT / PV.
Now, applying the values from the question:
We then calculate the rate of return:
r = $12,000 / $225,000
So, r = 0.0533 or 5.33%
Therefore, the rate of return is 5.33%.