Final answer:
The total distance the cat walked is the sum of the individual distances traveled in each direction, which equals 12 meters. The correct answer is D) 12 meters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total distance the cat walked is the sum of the distances covered in each direction regardless of the direction. The cat walked 7 meters north and then 5 meters south. To find the total distance, we simply add these two values together:
- Distance walked north: 7 meters
- Distance walked south: 5 meters
Total distance = Distance north + Distance south
Total distance = 7 meters + 5 meters
Total distance = 12 meters
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D) 12 meters. This is the total distance walked by the cat, which is different from the net displacement.