find the slope of the line passing through the points (-5, -2) and (3, -9).

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope - formula

The slope formula 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 the points' coordinates

Let $(x_1,y_1)=(-5,-2)$ and $(x_2,y_2)=(3,-9)$.

Step3: Substitute values into formula

$m=\frac{-9-(-2)}{3 - (-5)}=\frac{-9 + 2}{3+5}$.

Step4: Simplify the expression

$m=\frac{-7}{8}=-\frac{7}{8}$.

Answer:

$-\frac{7}{8}$