Final answer:
The axis of symmetry for the quadratic function y = 2(x + 3)² + 5 is x = -3, which is a vertical line passing through the vertex of the parabola.
Step-by-step explanation:
The axis of symmetry for the quadratic function y = 2(x + 3)² + 5 can be determined by inspecting the squared term (x + 3). The expression inside the parentheses, x + 3, gives us the value of x for which the quadratic function reaches its vertex. This means that the axis of symmetry is a vertical line passing through the vertex of the parabola described by the quadratic function.
Since the vertex form of a quadratic function is y = a(x - h)² + k, where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola, our given function is already in vertex form with h being -3. Therefore, the axis of symmetry is x = -3.