Position and direction

Position and direction describe where things are and how they move: left and right, forwards and backwards, turns, and compass directions north, east, south and west.

Key facts

  • A quarter turn is 90° (a right angle); a half turn is 180°; a full turn is 360°.
  • Clockwise goes the way clock hands move.
  • Compass: north, east, south, west, clockwise from the top.
  • On a grid, go across first, then up.

Worked examples

Example 1

You face north and make a half turn. Which way do you face?

  1. A half turn is 180°: you face the opposite way.
  2. Opposite north is south.

Answer: South

Example 2

You face east and turn a quarter turn clockwise. Which way do you face?

  1. Clockwise from east, the next direction is south.

Answer: South