1. The given function is $f(x) = -|x + 1| - 2$. 2. The absolute value function $|x + 1|$ typically creates a "V" shape graph opening upwards with a vertex at $(-1, 0)$. 3. The negative sign in front of the absolute value, $- |x + 1|$, reflects the graph across the x-axis, which causes the "V" shape to open downwards instead. 4. The term $- 2$ shifts the entire graph downward by 2 units, moving the vertex from $(-1, 0)$ to $(-1, -2)$. 5. Therefore, the negative value of the coefficient in front of the absolute value flips the "V" shape upside down, opening downwards. Final answer: The "V" shape opens downwards because of the negative $a$ value.