find the slope of the line passing through the points (-9, -3) and (7, -7).

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 $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. Let $(x_1,y_1)=(-9,-3)$ and $(x_2,y_2)=(7,-7)$.

Step2: Substitute values

$m=\frac{-7-(-3)}{7 - (-9)}$. Simplify the numerator: $-7-(-3)=-7 + 3=-4$. Simplify the denominator: $7-(-9)=7 + 9 = 16$. So $m=\frac{-4}{16}=-\frac{1}{4}$.

Answer:

$-\frac{1}{4}$