Question: Use the graph of the parabola to fill in the blanks and answer the questions. (a) Does the parabola open upward or downward? (b) Find the coordinates of the vertex. (c) Find the equation of the axis of symmetry. (d) Find the intercept(s). If there is more than one, separate them with commas. If there are none, select "None". x -intercept(s): y -intercept(s):

1. **State the problem:** We are given a parabola and need to determine its direction, vertex, axis of symmetry, and intercepts based on the graph. 2. **Direction of the parabola:** The parabola opens upward if it curves like a U and downward if it curves like an upside-down U. 3. **Vertex coordinates:** The vertex is the highest or lowest point on the parabola. From the problem, the vertex is given as $$(-2, -3)$$. 4. **Axis of symmetry:** The axis of symmetry is a vertical line passing through the vertex. Its equation is $$x = h$$ where $$h$$ is the x-coordinate of the vertex. Here, $$x = -2$$. 5. **Intercepts:** - **x-intercepts** are points where the parabola crosses the x-axis (where $$y=0$$). - **y-intercept** is the point where the parabola crosses the y-axis (where $$x=0$$). 6. **Find intercepts from the graph:** - The x-intercepts are the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis. From the graph, these are approximately $$(-4, 0)$$ and $$(0, 0)$$. - The y-intercept is where $$x=0$$, which is $$(0, 1)$$ if the graph shows that. **Final answers:** (a) The parabola opens **upward**. (b) Vertex: $$(-2, -3)$$ (c) Equation of axis of symmetry: $$x = -2$$ (d) Intercepts: - x-intercepts: $$-4, 0$$ - y-intercept: $$1$$