The slope $m$ is calculated using the formula:

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

Substituting the points $(5, 8)$ and $(6, 1)$:

$m = \frac{1 - 8}{6 - 5} = \frac{-7}{1} = -7$

Thus, the slope $m = -7$.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

1. How do you interpret the meaning of a negative slope?
2. What happens to the slope when the line is horizontal?
3. Can a vertical line have a slope? If so, what is it?
4. How does the slope affect the steepness of the line?
5. What is the formula for the slope of a line given two points?

Tip: Always check if the denominator $(x_2 - x_1)$ is zero, as division by zero means the slope is undefined.