A ball was thrown in a straight line and plotted on a coordinate plane. The starting point was at coordinates (1,5) and it landed at coordinate (1,22). How far was the ball thrown? Each coordinate represents one yard.

The distance the ball was thrown can be calculated using the distance formula in a straight line, which is the Pythagorean theorem.

Distance = sqrt((change in x)^2 + (change in y)^2)

In this case, the change in x is 0 (since the x-coordinate remains the same at 1) and the change in y is 22-5 = 17.

Distance = sqrt(0^2 + 17^2)
Distance = sqrt(0 + 289)
Distance = sqrt(289)
Distance = 17 yards

Therefore, the ball was thrown 17 yards.

The correct option is:
17 yards