The function is .

Write the function in vertex form.

                                    (Original function)

                                   (Rewrite the function)

                              (Group and factor, dividing by )

   (Use Completing the squares method)

                            (Write as a perfect square)

Find the vertex, axis symmetry and direction of opening.

The vertex form of a parabola is where is the vertex, is the axis of symmetry and determines the shape of the parabola and the direction in which it opens.

So, the vertex is .

The equation of axis of symmetry is .

The value of is negative, so the parabola opens down.

Vertex form of the function and axis of symmetry is , the parabola opens down.