To calculate the distance between points $A$ and $B$ on the coordinate plane, we can use the distance formula, which is:

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

Here, point $A$ is at coordinates $(-3, 5)$, and point $B$ is at coordinates $(6, 2)$.

Substituting the coordinates into the formula:

$d = \sqrt{(6 - (-3))^2 + (2 - 5)^2}$ $d = \sqrt{(6 + 3)^2 + (2 - 5)^2}$ $d = \sqrt{9^2 + (-3)^2}$ $d = \sqrt{81 + 9}$ $d = \sqrt{90} \approx 9.49$

Rounding to the nearest tenth, the distance between points $A$ and $B$ is approximately 9.5 units. However, based on the provided multiple-choice options, it seems there is a rounding mismatch, and the nearest choice would be 10.0 units.

Would you like further clarification or more details? Here are some related questions:

1. How is the distance formula derived?
2. What is the significance of each term in the distance formula?
3. Can you explain how to plot points in a coordinate plane?
4. How would this calculation change in 3D space?
5. How can we apply the Pythagorean theorem to find the distance between two points?

Tip: Always double-check the units in word problems to ensure consistency in answers.