Answer:
17 miles
Step-by-step explanation:
If Heidi starts out by traveling 15 miles south, then y = -15 miles
If she then turns and rides 8 miles east, then x = +8miles
The distance from her starting position to her tent is gotten using the pythagoras theorem as shown;
d = √(-15)²+8²
d = √225+64
d = √289
d = 17miles
Hence her distance from her starting position to her tent is 17 miles