Question

An ant has moved $3$ units along the negative direction of the $y-$axis from point $A$, and $4$ units along the negative direction of the $x-$axis. Then, it moves $3$ units along the positive direction of the $y-$axis. What is the distance along the shortest path that the ant travels from point $A$ to the final point?

• A. $1\text{unit}$
• B. $2\text{units}$
• C. $3\text{units}$
• D. $4\text{units}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $4\text{units}$


Let’s say, an ant moving $3$ units along the negative direction of the $y-$axis will reach $B$.
Then, as it moves $4$ units along the negative direction of the $x-$axis, it will reach $O(0,0)$.
Finally, moving $3$ units along the positive direction of the $y-$axis, it will reach the final point $D$.

The coordinates of $D$ is $(0,3)$, the distance along the shortest path between $A$ and $D$ is the horizontal line segment connecting $A$ and $D$, which is $4$ units.