Namita walks 14 m West, turns right and walks 14 m, then turns left and walks 10 m, then turns left again and walks 14 m. What is the shortest distance between her start and present position?

Introduction / Context:
We track axis-aligned moves and compute the straight-line (Euclidean) distance between the start and end points. Right/left are relative to current facing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Segment 1: 14 m West.
• Turn right (from West → face North), then 14 m.
• Turn left (from North → face West), then 10 m.
• Turn left (from West → face South), then 14 m.

Concept / Approach:
Use coordinates with start at (0,0). West decreases x; East increases x; North increases y; South decreases y.

Step-by-Step Solution:
After 14 W: (−14, 0).Right to North, +14: (−14, 14).Left to West, +10: (−24, 14).Left to South, +14: (−24, 0).Distance from (0,0) to (−24,0) = 24 m.

Verification / Alternative check:
The y ends back at 0, so only x offset matters; tallying westward distances (14 + 10) minus any east returns confirms 24 m.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
10, 28, 38 m do not match the computed coordinate difference.

Common Pitfalls:
Misreading left/right relative to current facing rather than absolute compass directions.

Final Answer:
24