The vertex for f(x)=(x+1)^2-2 would represent a minimum because the coefficient of the binomial (x+1) squared term is positive (understood to be in front of the parenthesis). Think about the Vertex From: y=a(x-h)^2+k where "a" is the coefficient of the binomial and(h, k) is the vertex. If "a" is positive the parabola opens up U (Making the vertex the lowest point of the graph). If "a" is negative the parabola opens down N (making the vertex the highest point of the graph)