2.) what amount presently must be invested earning 5.25% compounded continuously so that it will grow up to be worth $25,000 12 years from now?

The amount A resulting from a principal amount P being invested at rate r compounded continuously for time t is given by

... A = P·e^(rt)

FIll in your given values and solve for P.

... 25000 = P·e^(0.0525·12) = P·e^0.63

... P = 25000/e^0.63 ≈ 13314.80 . . . . . divide by the coefficient of P

The amount that must be invested is $13,314.80.