Final answer:
To calculate the vertical distance between Mike's hand and Dustin's feet, add Mike's dive depth of 10 feet to Dustin's platform height of 4 feet, giving a total of 14 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vertical distance between Mike's hand at the bottom of the pool and Dustin's feet on the diving platform can be found by adding the depth that Mike dived with the height of the diving platform above water. Mike dived to a depth of 10 feet below the surface, and Dustin is standing on a platform 4 feet above the surface. Therefore, the vertical distance between them is 10 feet (depth) + 4 feet (height) = 14 feet.