The problem asks us to identify the vertex and axis of symmetry of a given parabola from its graph, and to determine whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards.

1. Problem Description

The problem asks us to identify the vertex and axis of symmetry of a given parabola from its graph, and to determine whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards.

2. Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the vertex. The vertex is the lowest point of the parabola. From the graph, we can see that the vertex is at the point $(-3, -3)$.

Step 2: Identify the axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola. The equation of a vertical line is of the form $x = c$, where $c$ is a constant. Since the vertex is at $(-3, -3)$, the axis of symmetry is the vertical line $x = -3$.

Step 3: Determine the direction the parabola opens. From the graph, we can see that the parabola opens upwards.

3. Final Answer

The vertex of the parabola is $(-3, -3)$.

The axis of symmetry is $x = -3$.

The parabola opens upwards.