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

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the slope formula

The slope formula is (m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}), where ((x_1,y_1)) and ((x_2,y_2)) are two points on the line.

Step2: Identify the coordinates

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

Step3: Substitute into the formula

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

Step4: Simplify the numerator and denominator

(m=\frac{-7}{8})

Answer:

(\frac{-7}{8})