the distance d between the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by the formula:

d^2 = (x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2

in our case:

x1 = 6, y1 = -17

x2 = 13, y2 = -14

d^2 = (13 - 6)^2 + (-14 - (-17))^2

d^2 = 58

d = 7.62

the midpoint of the segment that joins the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by the formula

M((1/2)(x1 + x2), (1/2)(y1 + y2))

(1/2)(6 + 13) = 9.5

(1/2)(-17 + (-14)) = - 15.5

the midpoint is M(9.5, -15.5).