Final answer:
To find the distance between Maria's desk and Monique's desk on the coordinate plane, we can use the distance formula derived from the Pythagorean Theorem. Plugging in the coordinates of Maria's and Monique's desks, we find that the distance is sqrt(74) feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the distance between Maria's desk and Monique's desk, we can use the distance formula. The distance formula is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem. It states that the distance between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) on a coordinate plane is given by:
d = sqrt((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)
In this case, Maria's desk is located at (5, -1) and Monique's desk is located at (-2, 4). Plugging these values into the distance formula:
d = sqrt((-2 - 5)^2 + (4 - (-1))^2)
d = sqrt((-7)^2 + (5)^2)
d = sqrt(49 + 25)
d = sqrt(74)
Therefore, the distance from Maria's desk to Monique's desk is sqrt(74) feet.