Calculating Jimmy’s Distance from Home

The correct answer is C, 5 miles.

To find out how far Jimmy is from home, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. He ran 3 miles west and then 4 miles north, which creates a right triangle.

In the triangle, one leg is 3 miles (west) and the other leg is 4 miles (north). According to the Pythagorean theorem:

[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 ]

where ( c ) is the hypotenuse (the straight line distance from home), ( a ) is 3 miles, and ( b ) is 4 miles.

So,

[ c^2 = 3^2 + 4^2 ]

[ c^2 = 9 + 16 ]

[ c^2 = 25 ]

[ c = sqrt{25} ]

[ c = 5 ]

Thus, Jimmy is 5 miles away from home.