You'd differentiate it I guess
y = 8 - 2x - x2
dy/dx = - 2 - 2x
This = 0 for stationary points.
-2 ( x + 1 ) = 0
hence x = -1.
Sub this into y equation,
y = 8 + 2 - 1
This is 9... I think kingkiller did a -2 instead of +2.
d2y / dx2 = -2, and hence this stationary point must be a maximum.
Now, you find the solutions, as you have done.
So now you draw your axis. Plot the point where the maximum goes, and plot the x-intercepts. Then draw a maximum at the appropriate point and some curvy lines going out, making sure you hit the x-intercepts.
If you're unsure about any of these concepts (like second derivative) I'll -try- to explain