Choice A is the correct answer. Calculate slope and identify intercept.

1. Y-intercept: The line crosses at $(0, -1)$, so $b = -1$.
2. Slope: Rise from -1 to 0 is $+1$. Run from 0 to 2 is $+2$. $m = \frac{1}{2}$.
3. Equation: $y = \frac{1}{2}x - 1$.

💡 Strategic Tip: Check the steepness. A slope of 2 is steep; 1/2 is shallow.

Choice B is incorrect because the slope is too steep (2). Choice C is incorrect because the y-intercept is wrong. Choice D is incorrect because the slope is negative.