Final answer:
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we determined that the drone is 13 feet from the start point after flying 5 feet above the ground and then moving horizontally 12 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is a practical application of Pythagorean theorem which is used to determine the distance from the start point for a drone that has moved both vertically and horizontally. Since the drone initially flies 5 feet above the ground and then moves horizontally for a total of 12 feet, we can imagine a right triangle where one leg is 5 feet (vertical movement) and the other leg is 12 feet (horizontal movement). To find the hypotenuse, which represents the straight-line distance from the start point, we use the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²) where 'a' and 'b' are the legs of the triangle, and 'c' is the hypotenuse (the distance we are trying to find).
c² = a² + b²
c² = 5² + 12²
c² = 25 + 144
c² = 169c = √169
c = 13 feet
Therefore, the drone is 13 feet from the start point after the described movement.