Question

find the slope of the line passing through the points (-9, -3) and (7, -7).

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope formula

The slope \( m \) between two points \( (x_1, y_1) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) \) is \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \).

Step2: Identify coordinates

Let \( (x_1, y_1) = (-9, -3) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) = (7, -7) \).

Step3: Substitute into formula

\( m = \frac{-7 - (-3)}{7 - (-9)} = \frac{-7 + 3}{7 + 9} = \frac{-4}{16} \).

Step4: Simplify the fraction

\( \frac{-4}{16} = -\frac{1}{4} \).

Answer:

\(-\frac{1}{4}\)