Answer:
The hikers are 5.9 miles apart.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let O represents the base camp,
Suppose after walking 3.5 miles west, first hiker's position is A, then after going 1.5 miles north from A his final position is B,
Similarly, after walking 2 miles east, second hiker's position is C then going towards 0.5 miles south his final position is D.
By making the diagram of this situation,
Let D' is the point in the line AB,
Such that, AD' = CD
In triangle BD'D,
BD' = AB + AD' = 1.5 + 0.5 = 2 miles,
DD' = AC = AO + OC = 3.5 + 2 = 5.5 miles,
By Pythagoras theorem,
Hence, the hikers are 5.9 miles apart.
