Ok, so this equation is in standard form. we know this because it is in the form of y=ax^2+bx+c. It is helpful if we change this to vertex form so that we know where the vertex is. vertex form is y=a(x-h)^2 +k where (h,k) is the vertex. once you convert the equation, you get y=(x+2)^2 -1. If you don't know how to get to this point, watch this video (it really does help)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwITxyUghV. so now you also know that the vertex of this equation is (-2,-1). From there, you can choose some values to substitute in as x (I usually do 5, most of the values being -2,-1,0,1,2. You can do more if you want to graph more points). Substitute each value in for x and get the y output. graph these as points and once you have plotted your points, connect them. It should look like a u since it is a quadratic function. Hope this helps!
