Final answer:
To find the distance between Chloe and Lauren, we can use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of the hypotenuse of their right triangle. The rounded answer is approximately 6.4 units, so the closest option is 7.6 units.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find how far apart Chloe and Lauren are, we need to use the Pythagorean theorem. Chloe walks 5 units to the north, and Lauren walks 4 units west. This forms a right triangle. The distance between them is the hypotenuse of the triangle.
The length of the vertical leg is 5 units and the length of the horizontal leg is 4 units. Using the Pythagorean theorem (a^2 + b^2 = c^2), we can find the length of the hypotenuse:
c^2 = 5^2 + 4^2 = 41
c = sqrt(41) ≈ 6.4 units
Rounding to the nearest tenth, they are approximately 6.4 units apart. So, the closest option is 7.6 units (C).