To find the slope \( m \) of the line passing through the points \((-5, 3)\) and \( (7, 9)\), you can use the formula for the slope:
\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]
Where \((x_1, y_1) = (-5, 3)\) and \((x_2, y_2) = (7, 9)\).
Plugging in the values:
\[ m = \frac{9 - 3}{7 - (-5)} = \frac{6}{7 + 5} = \frac{6}{12} = \frac{1}{2} \]
Thus, the slope of the line passing through the points \((-5, 3)\) and \((7, 9)\) is \( \frac{1}{2} \).