Question

find the slope of the line passing through the points (-4, -3) and (8, -9).

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope formula

The slope \( m \) between two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is \( m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \).
Here, \( x_1=-4, y_1 = - 3, x_2 = 8, y_2=-9 \).

Step2: Substitute values into formula

Substitute the values: \( m=\frac{-9 - (-3)}{8 - (-4)} \).
Simplify numerator and denominator: \( -9 - (-3)=-9 + 3=-6 \), \( 8 - (-4)=8 + 4 = 12 \).

Step3: Calculate the slope

Now, \( m=\frac{-6}{12}=-\frac{1}{2} \).

Answer:

\(-\frac{1}{2}\)