Question 1966
 First of all you should know the basic common notation about the power.

 Use complete square
 f(x) = 2 + 10x - x^2 = -(x^2 - 10x + (10/2)^2) + 25 + 2
 = 27 - (x - 5)^2
 Since - (x - 5)^2 <= 0 for all real x, 27 - (x - 5)^2 <= 27 for all x.

 Hence,when x = 5, f has maximum value 27.
 Also, we see that f(x) approaches -oo as x-->+oo. 
 So,f has no minimum value.

 Kenny