To find the slope of a line passing through two points $(-3, -8)$ and $(5, 6)$, we use the slope formula:

$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$

Here, $(x_1, y_1)$ = $(-3, -8)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ = $(5, 6)$.

Substituting these values into the formula:

$m = \frac{6 - (-8)}{5 - (-3)} = \frac{6 + 8}{5 + 3} = \frac{14}{8} = \frac{7}{4}$

So, the slope of the line is $\frac{7}{4}$.

Do you need further clarification on the steps?

Here are five questions to deepen your understanding:

1. What is the geometric meaning of the slope?
2. How would the slope change if the points were reversed?
3. What would the slope be if the points were $(1, 2)$ and $(1, 7)$?
4. How do you interpret a negative slope?
5. Can the slope formula be used for vertical and horizontal lines?

Tip: A line with a positive slope rises from left to right, while a line with a negative slope falls from left to right.