I do not understand Parabolas!? Please help?

if you make x= -3 to begin with and substitute it into the equation then put it on a graph, then make x= -2 and so on, til x=3. you will then see a "u"shape on the graph when the dots are joined up. thats how to draw it then check ur text book to see what it defines as the vertex and theaxis of symmetry. i dont have my maths texts books anymore!