First we determine the slope of the equation. m=y2-y1/x2-x1 =-16-(-8)/-17-(-12) =-16+8/-17+12 =-8/-5 =8/5
Then we find the y-intercept or b of the equation. (-12,-8). (-17,-16) y=mx+b. y=mx+b -8= 8/5*-12+b. -16=8/5*-17+b -8= -96/5+b. -16=-136/5+b b= -96/5+8. b=-136/5+16 b= -56/8. b=-56/5 b=-7