To calculate the distance between two points $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ in the coordinate plane, we use the distance formula:

$d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$

Given the points $(0, 8)$ and $(-5, 2)$:

$d = \sqrt{(-5 - 0)^2 + (2 - 8)^2}$

Now, simplify:

$d = \sqrt{(-5)^2 + (-6)^2}$ $d = \sqrt{25 + 36}$ $d = \sqrt{61}$

So, the exact distance between the points is:

$\boxed{\sqrt{61}}$

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

1. What is the distance between the points $(3, 7)$ and $(8, 1)$?
2. Find the midpoint between the points $(0, 8)$ and $(-5, 2)$.
3. How would the distance change if the points were reflected across the y-axis?
4. What is the distance between $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ in 3-dimensional space?
5. How does the distance formula relate to the Pythagorean Theorem?

Tip: Always simplify expressions inside the square root before finding the final result to avoid unnecessary steps.