Explanation:

- Tom starts at the initial point.

- He moves 60 m north.

- After the first right turn, he moves 16 m east.

- He makes another right turn and travels 48 m south.

- To find how far he is from the starting point, consider the change in position:

- Initially 60 m north, then 48 m south: Net 12 m north.

- Moves 16 m east.

- Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the direct distance from the start:

$$

\sqrt{(12^2) + (16^2)} = \sqrt{144 + 256} = \sqrt{400} = 20 \, \text{m}

$$

- Option:1 - 20 m is the direct distance.