Question

how do I find the maximum?

Answer 1

OF what?

Answer 2

Suppose f(x) = -x^2 - 2 x + 24.

Answer 3

well since a is a negative number, you know the graph curves up... then curves down. if you know what i mean.

there's multiple ways of finding the maximum. in this case, the maximum = the vertex of your graph. So, just find the vertex. There are multiple ways of doing this with the function you supplied.

1. Put it into vertex form.
2. Graph points
3. Factor and solve
4. Just hope n pray
5. Use some calculus