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Points of the compass

Part of Shape, space and measures

Cardinal and ordinal directions

The four cardinal directions are North (N), East (E), South (S), West (W).

This can be remembered using the mnemonic Naughty Elephants Squirt Water.

The directions are at \(90°\) angles on the compass rose.

The four ordinal directions are Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW) and Northwest (NW).

They are halfway between the cardinal directions.

For example, Northwest is halfway between North and West, which is 45° from both North and West.

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Examples

Example 1

Jack faced NW and turned \(180°\), what direction is Jack now facing?

Jack is now facing SE.

Example 2

Callum faced SW and turned \(90°\) anti-clockwise (ACW), what direction is Callum now facing?

Callum is now facing SE.

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Question 1

Aoife is facing NE and turns \(45°\) anti-clockwise (ACW). What direction will Aoife be facing after her turn?

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Question 2

Using the compass rose on the map of the world answer the following questions:

  1. What direction is Europe from Africa?

  2. What direction is South America from Europe?

  3. What direction is Asia from Europe?

  4. What direction is Europe from Australia?

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Test section

Question 1

Aleksy faced S and turned 90° clockwise, what direction is Aleksy now facing?

Question 2

Ennis is facing E after turning 180°. What direction was Ennis facing before he turned?

Question 3

By how many degrees, and in which direction, must a person turn to face S from NE?

Question 4

Map

Which town is NE from Antrim?

Question 5

Map

Question 5

Which statement is incorrect?

a) Newry is SW of Downpatrick

b) Newry is S of Lurgan

c) Omagh is SE of Newry

Question 6

Map

Question 6

What direction is Armagh from Larne?

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