Step 1 :Let's denote the two endpoints of the interval as \(\mu_1 = -1.01\) and \(\mu_2 = 16.17\).
Step 2 :To find the middle of the interval, we can average the two endpoints. This gives us \(m = \frac{\mu_1 + \mu_2}{2} = 7.58\).
Step 3 :The distance from the middle of the interval to either endpoint is half the length of the interval. This can be calculated as \(E = \frac{\mu_2 - \mu_1}{2} = 8.59\).
Step 4 :Finally, we can write the interval in the format \(m \pm E\) as \(7.58 \pm 8.59\).
Step 5 :So, the final answers are: (a) The middle of the interval is \(m = \boxed{7.58}\). (b) The distance from the middle of the interval to either endpoint is \(E = \boxed{8.59}\). (c) The interval can be written in the format \(m \pm E\) as \(\boxed{7.58 \pm 8.59}\).