
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
The cowboy is 3 miles south of a stream which flows due east and is also 9 miles west and 5 miles north of his cabin. Determine the shortest distance he can travel to water his horse at the stream and then return to his cabin.

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
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