find the slope of the line passing through the points (2, 5) and (8, -4).

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope - formula

The slope $m$ of a line passing through two points $(x_1,y_1)$ and $(x_2,y_2)$ is given by $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$.

Step2: Identify the points

Let $(x_1,y_1)=(2,5)$ and $(x_2,y_2)=(8, - 4)$.

Step3: Substitute values into formula

$m=\frac{-4 - 5}{8 - 2}=\frac{-9}{6}=-\frac{3}{2}$

Answer:

$-\frac{3}{2}$