Ans: \(-\frac{6}{5}\)

Step 1: Recall the gradient formula:

\[ m = \frac{y_2 – y_1}{x_2 – x_1} \]

Step 2: Identify the coordinates:

Point A: \((x_1, y_1) = (-2, 7)\)

Point B: \((x_2, y_2) = (3, 1)\)

Step 3: Substitute into the formula:

\[ m = \frac{1 – 7}{3 – (-2)} = \frac{-6}{5} \]

Interpretation:

• The negative gradient indicates the line slopes downward from left to right
• For every 5 units moved right, the line falls 6 units vertically