To find te direction of this parabola, multiply both sides by (-1) ==> 1/4(y+4) - (x+3)². Since "a" is negative, the parabola opens downward & hence it's Vertex is a MAXIMUM.
Let's calculate this Maximum: Vertex (h , k) and Axis of symmetry x=h
The given function: -1/4(y+4)=(x-3)², where k=- 4 & h= +3
Hence the axis of symmetry is x=3 & the vertex is at (3, -4)
First, convert the equation to the standard equation of a parabola. -1/4(y+4)=(x-3)^2 ---multiply -4 on both sides y+4=-4(x-3)^2 ---subtract 4 on both sides y=-4(x-3)^2-4 From the equation, we know that the parabola was moved by 3 to the right, because of (x-3)^2. So the axis of symmetry is x=3. Now look at the number in front of (x-3)^2. It is -4. Since it is negative, the parabola opens downwards.
