1. **State the problem:** Find the equation of the line passing through points $(-2, -3)$ and $(0, 1)$ in the form $y = mx + c$. 2. **Formula used:** The slope $m$ of a line through points $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ is given by $$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ The equation of the line is then $$y = mx + c$$ where $c$ is the y-intercept. 3. **Calculate the slope:** $$m = \frac{1 - (-3)}{0 - (-2)} = \frac{1 + 3}{0 + 2} = \frac{4}{2} = 2$$ 4. **Find the y-intercept $c$:** Use point $(0,1)$ which lies on the line: $$1 = 2 \times 0 + c \implies c = 1$$ 5. **Write the equation:** $$y = 2x + 1$$ **Final answer:** The equation of the line is $y = 2x + 1$.