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 \( m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \).

Step2: Identify coordinates

Let \( (x_1, y_1)=(-4, -3) \) and \( (x_2, y_2)=(8, -9) \).

Step3: Substitute into formula

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

Step4: Calculate slope

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

Answer:

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