Answer:
Cory drove 56 miles.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to solve the present problem, the Pythagorean theorem must be used, as the displacements towards the south and east operate as legs and the diagonal return as hypotenuse, forming a right triangle:
7 ^ 2 + 24 ^ 2 = X ^ 2
49 + 576 = X ^ 2
2√625 = X
25 = X
Thus, since he traveled 7 miles south, 24 miles east, and then 25 miles diagonally toward his house, in total he traveled 56 miles (7 + 24 + 25).
