Correct answer: C. (\sqrt{17})
Explanation: The direct answer is C: \(\sqrt{17}\). Both square-root expressions are principal positive roots. Since \(15 < 17 < 20\), taking square roots preserves the order, so \(\sqrt{15} < \sqrt{17} < \sqrt{20}\). Therefore \(\sqrt{17}\) lies between the two given numbers. Option A, 3, is wrong because \(3 = \sqrt{9}\), and 9 is less than 15; hence 3 is less than \(\sqrt{15}\). Option B, \(\sqrt{14}\), is wrong because 14 is less than 15, so \(\sqrt{14} < \sqrt{15}\). Option C is correct because 17 lies strictly between 15 and 20. Option D, 5, is wrong because \(5 = \sqrt{25}\), and 25 is greater than 20; hence 5 is greater than \(\sqrt{20}\). The useful rule is that for non-negative numbers, comparing square roots can be done by comparing the numbers under the radical sign. Memory cue: compare 15, 17 and 20 before taking roots.