It is because the equator is closer to the sun and because the sun's rays hit the surface of the Earth at a higher angle at the equator. The poles are colder because they don't get direct sunlight. The sun is always low on the horizon.
Answer:
.
Explanation:
Distance Skylar traveled North is 
Then she traveled
Westward.
After which she traveled
towards the South.
The total distance traveled would be the sum of the distances.

The distance traveled by Skylar was is
.
As we sit in a chair, Action force will be only in one direction and that direction would be downward only.
In short, Your Answer would be Option A
Hope this helps!