Find the slope of the line that passes through the given points. \( (-7,3) \) and \( (-1,2) \) Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box within your choice. A. The slope is \( \square \). (Type an integer or a simplified fraction.) B. The slope is undefined.

To find the slope of the line that passes through the points \( (-7, 3) \) and \( (-1, 2) \), you can use the slope formula: \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \] Substituting in the coordinates from the points: \[ m = \frac{2 - 3}{-1 - (-7)} = \frac{-1}{-1 + 7} = \frac{-1}{6} = -\frac{1}{6}. \] So, the slope is \( -\frac{1}{6} \). --- Did you know that the concept of slope, often referred to as "rise over run," has been used for centuries? Ancient mathematicians, like Euclid, were concerned with similar ideas, but it wasn't until the development of coordinate geometry, featuring the Cartesian plane in the 17th century, that the notion of slope became standardized and widely taught. Using slope in real-world applications is super important! For example, architects and engineers rely on slope when designing roads, ramps, or buildings to ensure proper drainage and accessibility. In finance, understanding the slope of a line on a graph can help predict trends in stock prices or other financial metrics, making it crucial for any savvy investor!