find the axis of symmetry and vertex of the function. tell whether it goes upward or downward.
y=3*xsquared+6x-2
3 x^2 + 6 x = y + 2
x^2 + 2 x = (1/3) y + 2/3
(2/2)^2 = 1 so add 1 (which is 3/3)to both sides
x^2 + 2 x + 1 = (1/3)y + 5/3
(x+1)^2 = (1/3)(y+5)
symmetric about the line x = -1
vertex at (-1,-5)
when x gets big, y gets big, opens up (holds water)