The slope of the line given by the equation $y = -\frac{5}{8}x$ is $-\frac{5}{8}$.

To find the slope of a line that is perpendicular to this, we use the fact that the slopes of perpendicular lines are negative reciprocals of each other.

The negative reciprocal of $-\frac{5}{8}$ is $\frac{8}{5}$.

Thus, the slope of the line perpendicular to $y = -\frac{5}{8}x$ is $\frac{8}{5}$.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. How do you find the slope of a line given two points?
2. What is the slope of a line parallel to $y = -\frac{5}{8}x$?
3. How do you derive the equation of a line with a given slope passing through a specific point?
4. What is the general formula for the slope of a perpendicular line?
5. Can the slope of a vertical line be expressed?

Tip: Always remember that perpendicular slopes multiply to give $-1$.