1. **State the problem:** Find the equation of a line parallel to the line $y = 2x + 8$ that passes through the point $(-4, 9)$. 2. **Recall the rule for parallel lines:** Parallel lines have the same slope. The given line has slope $m = 2$. 3. **Use the point-slope form of a line:** $$y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$$ where $(x_1, y_1)$ is the point the line passes through, and $m$ is the slope. 4. **Substitute the known values:** $$y - 9 = 2(x - (-4))$$ which simplifies to $$y - 9 = 2(x + 4)$$ 5. **Final equation:** $$y - 9 = 2(x + 4)$$ This matches the option: $y - 9 = 2(x + 4)$. Hence, the equation of the line parallel to $y=2x+8$ passing through $(-4,9)$ is: $$y - 9 = 2(x + 4)$$