To find the straight-line distance between Morristown and Cedarburg, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, as their positions can be represented in a coordinate system.
Let’s define:
- Morristown is located 8 miles north of Shelley's home, which we can represent as the point \( (0, 8) \).
- Cedarburg is located 15 miles east of her home, which we can represent as the point \( (15, 0) \).
Now, we can determine the distance \( d \) between the points \( (0, 8) \) and \( (15, 0) \) using the distance formula:
\[ d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \]
Where:
- \( (x_1, y_1) = (0, 8) \)
- \( (x_2, y_2) = (15, 0) \)
Plugging in the coordinates:
\[ d = \sqrt{(15 - 0)^2 + (0 - 8)^2} \] \[ d = \sqrt{15^2 + (-8)^2} \] \[ d = \sqrt{225 + 64} \] \[ d = \sqrt{289} \] \[ d = 17 \]
Thus, the distance between Morristown and Cedarburg is \( \boxed{17} \) miles.