1. **State the problem:** Find the equation of the trend line in the form $y = mx + b$ that passes through the points $(-2, 1)$ and $(1, 7)$. 2. **Formula for slope:** The slope $m$ of a line through points $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ is given by $$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ 3. **Calculate the slope:** $$m = \frac{7 - 1}{1 - (-2)} = \frac{6}{3} = 2$$ 4. **Use point-slope form to find $b$:** The equation is $y = mx + b$. Substitute one point, for example $(-2, 1)$: $$1 = 2 \times (-2) + b$$ $$1 = -4 + b$$ $$b = 1 + 4 = 5$$ 5. **Write the final equation:** $$y = 2x + 5$$ **Answer:** The equation of the trend line passing through $(-2,1)$ and $(1,7)$ is $y = 2x + 5$.