Question 125907
To find the axis of symmetry, use this formula:


{{{x=-b/(2a)}}}


From the equation {{{y=-x^2-8x+1}}} we can see that a=-1 and b=-8


{{{x=(--8)/(2*-1)}}} Plug in b=-8 and a=-1



{{{x=8/(2*-1)}}} Negate -8 to get 8



{{{x=(8)/-2}}} Multiply 2 and -1 to get -2




{{{x=-4}}} Reduce



So the axis of symmetry is  {{{x=-4}}}