Question: Determine the slope of the line. Then, write an equation in the form of $y = mx + b$ to represent the line. Enter the answer in each space provided. Use numbers instead of words. Slope $m =$ Equation Graph: coordinate plane with a downward-sloping line from top-left toward bottom-right, crossing the y-axis at 8 and passing near (4, 5) and (8, 2); position_hint=center.

1. **State the problem:** We need to find the slope $m$ of the line passing through points $(4,5)$ and $(8,2)$, then write the equation of the line in the form $y = mx + b$. 2. **Formula for slope:** The slope $m$ between two points $(x_1,y_1)$ and $(x_2,y_2)$ is given by: $$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ 3. **Calculate the slope:** Using points $(4,5)$ and $(8,2)$: $$m = \frac{2 - 5}{8 - 4} = \frac{-3}{4}$$ 4. **Interpretation:** The slope $m = -\frac{3}{4}$ means the line goes down 3 units for every 4 units it goes right. 5. **Find $b$ (y-intercept):** The line crosses the y-axis at $b = 8$ (given). 6. **Write the equation:** Substitute $m$ and $b$ into $y = mx + b$: $$y = -\frac{3}{4}x + 8$$ **Final answer:** Slope $m = -\frac{3}{4}$ Equation: $y = -\frac{3}{4}x + 8$