Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The nearest point on the parabola to the line is where the tangent is parallel to the line.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Slope of line =
3. For parabola, \(dy/dx = 2x + 7\). Set equal to 3: \(2x + 7 = 3 \Rightarrow 2x = -4 \Rightarrow x = -2\). Then \(y = (-2)^2 + 7(-2) + 2 = 4 - 14 + 2 = -8\). So point is \((-2, -8)\).
Step 3: Final Answer:
\((-2, -8)\), which corresponds to option (A).