The price for a gallon of whole milk has increased from 2006 to 2008 . From 2006 to 2007, the cost of whole milk increased by approximately $56 \%$. From 2007 to 2008 , the cost of milk whole milk increased by approximately $42 \%$. If, on average, the cost for a gallon of whole milk nationwide was $\$ 1.99$ at the beginning of 2006 , determine the cost for a gallon of whole milk by the end of the year 2008 . Round your answer to the nearest cent. a. $\$ 3.10$ c. $\$ 2.83$ b. $\$ 4.41$ d. $\$ 3.94$ Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Step 1 ：Given that the initial cost of a gallon of whole milk in 2006 is $1.99, and the cost increased by 56% from 2006 to 2007 and by 42% from 2007 to 2008.

Step 2 ：First, calculate the cost of the milk at the end of 2007. This can be done by multiplying the initial cost by 1 plus the rate of increase. In this case, the rate of increase is 56%, or 0.56 in decimal form. So, the calculation is \(1.99 \times (1 + 0.56) = 3.1044\).

Step 3 ：Next, calculate the cost of the milk at the end of 2008. This can be done by multiplying the cost at the end of 2007 by 1 plus the rate of increase from 2007 to 2008. The rate of increase is 42%, or 0.42 in decimal form. So, the calculation is \(3.1044 \times (1 + 0.42) = 4.41\).

Step 4 ：Final Answer: The cost for a gallon of whole milk by the end of the year 2008 is \(\boxed{4.41}\).