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 The first point is (x1,y1). The second point is (x2,y2)
 
 
 Since the first point is (-5, 8), we can say (x1, y1) = (-5, 8)
 So
  ,  
 
 Since the second point is (12, -4), we can also say (x2, y2) = (12, -4)
 So
  ,  
 
 Put this all together to get:
  ,  ,  , and  
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 Now use the distance formula to find the distance between the two points (-5, 8) and (12, -4)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  Plug in  ,  ,  , and  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
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 Answer:
 
 
 The distance between the two points (-5, 8) and (12, -4) is exactly
  units 
 
 The approximate distance between the two points is about 20.8086520466848 units
 
 
 
 So again,
 
 
 Exact Distance:
  units 
 
 Approximate Distance:
  units 
 
 
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