At a nominal interest rate of i convertible semi$-$annually, an investment of $1000$ immediately

and $1500$ at the end of the first year will accumulate to $2600$ at the end of the second year.

Calculate $i.$

$($A$)2\mathrm{.}75\%$

$($B$)2\mathrm{.}77\%$

$($C$)2\mathrm{.}79\%$

$($D$)2\mathrm{.}81\%$

$($E$)2\mathrm{.}83\%$