Beginning in the middle of summer, the average temperature for a certain year in Phoenix can be approximately modeled by the function [tex]f(x) = 26 \cos (0.0055 \pi x) + 89[/tex], where [tex]x[/tex] represents the number of days since the middle of the summer, and [tex]f(x)[/tex] represents the average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

What was the highest average temperature in Phoenix that year (approximately)?

A. [tex]125^{\circ} F[/tex]
B. [tex]89^{\circ} F[/tex]
C. [tex]81^{\circ} F[/tex]
D. [tex]115^{\circ} F[/tex]

To find the highest average temperature in Phoenix for the given situation, we need to analyze the function that models the temperature:

[tex]\[ f(x) = 26 \cos (0.0055 \pi x) + 89 \][/tex]

Here's how we determine the highest temperature:

1. Understanding the Function:
- The function is composed of a cosine term, [tex]$26 \cos (0.0055 \pi x)$[/tex], and a constant term, [tex]$+89$[/tex].

2. Properties of the Cosine Function:
- The cosine function, [tex]$\cos(\theta)$[/tex], varies between -1 and 1 for any real number [tex]$\theta$[/tex].
- Therefore, the term [tex]$26 \cos(0.0055 \pi x)$[/tex] will vary from [tex]$-26$[/tex] to [tex]$26$[/tex].

3. Finding the Maximum Value:
- The highest value of the cosine function is 1.
- When [tex]$\cos(0.0055 \pi x) = 1$[/tex], the term [tex]$26 \cos(0.0055 \pi x)$[/tex] reaches its maximum value of [tex]$26$[/tex].

4. Calculating the Highest Temperature:
- Substitute the maximum value of the cosine term into the function:
[tex]\[ 26 \times 1 + 89 = 26 + 89 = 115 \][/tex]
- Therefore, the highest average temperature is [tex]$115^\circ F$[/tex].

So, the highest average temperature in Phoenix that year would be approximately [tex]$115^\circ F$[/tex].