Final answer:
The length of the line segment LM between points L (-8, -2) and M (5, 7) is about 15.8 units when rounded to the nearest tenth, calculated using the distance formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves finding the length of the line segment LM, which requires the use of the distance formula. The distance formula in two dimensions is √((x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2), where (x_1, y_1) and (x_2, y_2) are the coordinates of the two points. For points L (-8,-2) and M (5,7), we can calculate.
First, find the differences of the coordinates: Δx = 5 - (-8) = 13 and Δy = 7 - (-2) = 9.
Then, apply the differences to the formula: distance = √(13^2 + 9^2) = √(169 + 81) = √250.
The exact distance is the square root of 250, but rounding to the nearest tenth gives us approximately 15.8.
Therefore, the length of LM is about 15.8 units, rounded to the nearest tenth as requested.