Final answer:
The slope of the line passing through the points (5, 5) and (10, -2) is calculated using the slope formula and results in -1.4. This indicates the y-value decreases by 1.4 units for every increase in the x-value by 1 unit on the line, which corresponds to answer choice b. -1.4.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the slope of the line containing the given pair of points (5, 5) and (10, -2), you can use the slope formula which is defined as the rise divided by the run, or in mathematical terms, (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). Applying the formula to our points, we have: Identify the coordinates of the first point (x1, y1) as (5, 5) and the second point (x2, y2) as (10, -2). Substitute these coordinates into the slope formula to calculate the slope (m): m = (-2 - 5) / (10 - 5) = -7 / 5 = -1.4. Therefore, the slope of the line is -1.4, which corresponds to answer choice b. -1.4, indicating a decrease in the y-value by 1.4 units for every increase of 1 unit in the x-value along the line.