1. **State the problem:** Find the slant (oblique) asymptote of the function $$h(x) = \frac{x^2 - 9}{x}$$. 2. **Recall the rule for slant asymptotes:** A slant asymptote occurs when the degree of the numerator is exactly one more than the degree of the denominator. We find it by performing polynomial division of the numerator by the denominator. 3. **Perform polynomial division:** Divide $$x^2 - 9$$ by $$x$$. $$\frac{x^2 - 9}{x} = x - \frac{9}{x}$$ 4. **Interpret the result:** The quotient is $$x$$ and the remainder is $$-9$$. The slant asymptote is the quotient part, which is $$y = x$$. 5. **Conclusion:** The slant asymptote of $$h(x)$$ is $$y = x$$. **Answer:** c. $$y = x$$