Question

a drone is delivering a package. to get there, it flies 5 miles north and then 12 miles west. on the way back, it flies in a straight path back to its starting point. how does the distance of the direct path compare to that of its original path flying north and west? the direct path is 1 mile longer. the direct path is 10 miles shorter. the distances are the same. the direct path is 4 miles shorter.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate original path distance

$5 + 12 = 17$ miles

Step2: Calculate direct path distance

Use Pythagorean theorem: $d = \sqrt{5^2 + 12^2} = \sqrt{25 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13$ miles

Step3: Compare distances

$17 - 13 = 4$ miles shorter

Answer:

The direct path is 4 miles shorter.