Answer:
the parabola opens downwards
the function has a maximum
Explanations:
For a parabola of the form:
[tex]f(x)=ax^2\text{ + bx + c}[/tex]
If a > 0, then the parabola opens upwards and the function has a minimum
If a < 0, then the parabola opens downwards and the function has a maximum
For the function:
[tex]f(x)=-2x^2+7x+1[/tex]
The coefficent of x², a = -2 (-ve)
Since a < 0:
the parabola opens downwards
the function has a maximum
