1. **State the problem:** Find the slope $m$ of the line passing through the points $(-4, -5)$ and $(3, 1)$. 2. **Recall the slope formula:** The slope $m$ is given by the formula $$m = \frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ where $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ are the coordinates of the two points. 3. **Substitute the given points:** Here, $x_1 = -4$, $y_1 = -5$, $x_2 = 3$, and $y_2 = 1$. So, $$m = \frac{1 - (-5)}{3 - (-4)} = \frac{1 + 5}{3 + 4}$$ 4. **Simplify the numerator and denominator:** $$m = \frac{6}{7}$$ 5. **Final answer:** The slope of the line is $$m = \frac{6}{7}$$. This means for every 7 units you move horizontally (run), the line rises 6 units vertically (rise).