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 a 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.