if we zero out f(x), namely make y = 0, we can get the roots or x-intercepts for this quadratic equation
now, the equation is in x-terms, meaning is a vertically opening parabola, so the axis of symmetry will be x = something, a vertical line.
well, we have two x-intercepts, one at -4 and another at 2, and the vertex is right half-way between those guys
-4------------(-1)------------2
so the vertex is at x=-1, namely the axis of symmetry is x = -1.