Final answer:
The distance between the points (-4, -1) and (-3, 3) is √17. This is computed using the distance formula derived from the Pythagorean theorem, resulting in an answer that corresponds to option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the distance between the two points (-4, -1) and (-3, 3), you can use the distance formula, which is derived from the Pythagorean theorem. The distance formula for two points (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) is:
D = √((x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²)
By plugging in our values, we get:
D = √((-3 - (-4))² + (3 - (-1))²)
D = √((1)² + (4)²)
D = √(1 + 16)
D = √17
Therefore, the distance between the two points is √17, which matches option A. The distance between the points (-4, -1) and (-3, 3) is represented by the square root of 17, making option A the accurate choice. The distance formula is a fundamental concept in coordinate geometry, allowing the calculation of distances between points in a plane.