The formula for slope is: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
The slope from (-4, 6) to (4, 4) is: m = (4 - 6) / (4 - -4) = -2/8 = -1/4
The slope from (4, 4) to (8, 3) is: m = (3 - 4) / (8 - 4) = -1/4
The slope from (8, 3) to (12, 2) is: m = (2 - 3) / (12 - 8) = -1/4
Since the slope is always the same, these points fall on a straight line.
The point-slope formula for a straight line is: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Using (x1, y1) = (-4, 6) and m = -1/4: y - 6 = (-1/4)(x - -4)
y - 6 = (-1/4)(x + 4)
y - 6 = (-1/4)x - 1
y = (-1/4)x + 5
Melody, you are correct, so I'll modify my answer.