To find the time in seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder, we can use the given formula. The distance from the lightning strike in miles equals the number of seconds between the flash and the sound of thunder divided by 5:
\[ \text{Distance (in miles)} = \frac{\text{Time (in seconds)}}{5} \]
You've stated that the distance is \( 17 \) miles, so we set up the equation:
\[ 17 = \frac{\text{Time}}{5} \]
To solve for Time, we multiply both sides of the equation by \( 5 \):
\[ \text{Time} = 17 \times 5 \]
Calculating this gives:
\[ \text{Time} = 85 \text{ seconds} \]
Thus, there would be 85 seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder if you were 17 miles away from the strike.
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