Answer:
To find the distance between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), we use the distance formula:
d = sqrt((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)
Using this formula, we can find the distance between (15, -17) and (-20, -5):
d = sqrt((-20 - 15)^2 + (-5 - (-17))^2)
= sqrt((-35)^2 + 12^2)
= sqrt(1225 + 144)
= sqrt(1369)
= 37
Therefore, the distance between (15, -17) and (-20, -5) is 37 units.