Question 1208478
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The shortest distance between two points is the straight line, connecting the points.

Surely, the hummingbird, being a disciplined rational creature, will choose the straight line to fly.


So, this problem is about a triangle.


You may even make one step forward and to see (or to guess/to recognize) a right-angled triangle here.


As soon as you identify a right angled triangle, apply the Pythagorean formula   


    d = {{{sqrt(12^2 + 5^2)}}} = {{{sqrt(144+25)}}} = {{{sqrt(169)}}} = 13 meters.    <U>ANSWER</U>


(5,12,13)  is a Pythagorean triple,  next after  (3,4,5).
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Solved.