what is the equation of the line?

Explanation:

Step1: Find the slope

The line passes through points (-2, 0) and (0, -1). The slope $m$ formula is $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. So $m=\frac{-1 - 0}{0-(-2)}=-\frac{1}{2}$.

Step2: Find the y - intercept

The line crosses the y - axis at (0, -1), so the y - intercept $b=-1$.

Step3: Write the equation

The slope - intercept form of a line is $y = mx + b$. Substituting $m =-\frac{1}{2}$ and $b=-1$ gives $y=-\frac{1}{2}x - 1$.

Answer:

$y =-\frac{1}{2}x - 1$