Question

How do you find the axis of symmetry without graphing in intercept form?

Answer 1

The axis of symmetry will be the vertical line given the equation x = h, where h is the x coordinate of the vertex.  This value can be taken directly from an equation in vertex form: $y=a(x-h)^2+k$

For example, given the equation $y = -2(x+4)^2-8$ the vertex is (-4, -8) so the a.o.s equation is x = -4