Does coordinate p or coordinate q represent a greater number?

PLEASE HELP!!

The function ƒ is defined by ƒ(x) = (x + 3)(x + 1). the graph of ƒ in the xy-plane is a parabola. which interval contains the x-coordinate of the vertex of the graph of ƒ?

The general form of the quetion of a circle is ax^2+by^2+cx+dy+e=0 where a=b=0 if the circle has a radius of three units and the center lies on the y axis which set of values of a, b, c, d, and e might correspond to the circle

How do you use the elimination method for this question? explain, because i really want to understand!