If M and N are the points (-3, 8) and (5, -7) respectively, find |MN|

Explanation

|MN| = \(\sqrt{(x_1 - x_2)^2 + (y_1 - y_2)^2}\)

= \(\sqrt{(-3 -5)^2 + (8 - 7)^2}\)

= \(\sqrt{(-8)^2 + (8 + 7)^2}\)

= \(\sqrt{64 + (15)^2}\)

= \(\sqrt{64 + 225}\)

= \(\sqrt{289}\)

= 17 units