Given the quadratic function $f(x) = -2(x - 2)^2 + 6$: .

1. Without drawing a graph, tell the coordinates of the vertex and tell if the vertex represents the maximum or minimum value of the function.

   Hint (a):

   The $x$-coordinate of the vertex is subtracted from $x$ inside the parentheses.
   The $y$-coordinate of the vertex is added outside the parentheses.
   When the coefficient of the parentheses is positive, the vertex represents the minimum value of the function.
   When it is negative, the vertex represents the maximum value of the function.

   Answer (a):

   The vertex is at $(2, 6)$, and represents the maximum value of the function.

2. Use your graphing shortcuts to draw a graph and verify your answer to part (a).