Sketch the graph of the parabola. Find the coordinates of the vertex.

y = - x^2 + 4x - 10

Use the graphing tool on the right to graph the parabola.

Click to

enlarge

graph

The vertex is (,)

To find the vertex, you find the derivative and equate it to 0. That'll give you the spot on the graph where the slope is horizontal, which is at our vertex.

Assuming you know how to find the derivative:

f' (x) = - 2x + 4 = 0 = > x=2.

f (2) = - 6

So the vertex is at (2,-6)