Determine the slope of the line through the given points. \( (-6,7) \) and \( (-9,-1) \) Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice. A. The slope is \( \square \). (Type an integer or a simplified fraction.) B. The slope is undefined.

To calculate the slope of the line through the points \( (-6, 7) \) and \( (-9, -1) \), we use the formula: \[ \text{slope} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \] Plugging in the coordinates, we have: \[ \text{slope} = \frac{-1 - 7}{-9 - (-6)} = \frac{-8}{-3} = \frac{8}{3} \] So, A. The slope is \( \frac{8}{3} \). For real-world scenarios, understanding slope is like reading a map! If you're calculating the steepness of a hill, a slope of \( \frac{8}{3} \) tells you that for every 8 units you rise vertically, you move 3 units horizontally. It's essential in construction and design to ensure that paths are navigable! When finding the slope, some might forget to subtract in the correct order or mix up \( y \) and \( x \) values. Double-check that \( y_2 \) corresponds to the second point and \( y_1 \) to the first point to keep calculations accurate and avoid common pitfalls!