The function is .

Write the function in vertex form.

                            (Original function)

                            (Rewrite the function)

                       (Group and factor, dividing by )

  (Complete the square)

               (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 positive, so the parabola opens up.

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