The given quadratic function is $y = 0.3(x - 8)^2 - 6.5$.

This is written in vertex form, $y = a(x - h)^2 + k$, where:

• $(h, k)$ is the vertex of the parabola.
• The axis of symmetry is the vertical line passing through the vertex, which means the equation of the axis of symmetry is $x = h$.

In this case:

• $h = 8$, so the axis of symmetry is $x = 8$.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are some additional questions to expand on this:

1. How do you find the vertex of a quadratic function in standard form?
2. How does the value of $a$ affect the graph of a quadratic function?
3. What is the significance of the axis of symmetry in a quadratic function?
4. Can the axis of symmetry ever be negative?
5. How would you convert a quadratic function from standard form to vertex form?

Tip: The coefficient $a$ affects the direction of the parabola (whether it opens up or down) and its width.