Answer:
14.4 miles
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that :
Distance moved North = 12 miles
Distance moved West = 8 miles
Shortest distance to reach starting point :
Let shortest distance to reach starting point = d miles
Using the relation :
Longest side of a right angled triangle:
d = sqrt(8^2 + 12^2)
d = sqrt(64 + 144)
d = sqrt(208)
d = 14.422205
d = 14.4 miles (nearest tenth of a mile)