Let's analyze the graph of the parabola from your image.

1. Does the parabola open upward or downward?

   • The graph shows a parabola that opens upward, as it has a U-shape and the vertex is at the bottom.

2. Find the equation of the axis of symmetry:

   • The axis of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that passes through the vertex. Looking at the graph, the vertex appears to be on the x-axis at approximately $x = -1$.
   • Therefore, the equation of the axis of symmetry is $x = -1$.

Would you like more details on this? Here are some questions that build on this:

1. How do you find the vertex of a parabola given its equation?
2. What is the general form of a quadratic equation, and how is the axis of symmetry calculated from it?
3. How does the direction of opening change if the parabola opens downward instead of upward?
4. Can the axis of symmetry be something other than a vertical line? Why or why not?
5. How would you find the vertex if the equation of the parabola were given?

Tip: The axis of symmetry is always given by the formula $x = \frac{-b}{2a}$ if the parabola is in standard form $y = ax^2 + bx + c$.