How are grouping symbols in simplifying expressions correctly

The parabola y = x² - 4 opens: a.) up b.) down c.) right d.) left

James was playing a game with his friends. he won 35 points. then he lost 15, lost 40 and won 55. how did he come out

What would be the reasons for lines 3 and 4? a. addition property; subtraction property b. addition property; solve c. substitution property; subtraction property d. substitution property; prove