Questions: Maps and Directions

Question 1

You are facing north. Someone tells you to turn right. Which direction are you now facing?

• A. South
• B. East
• C. West
• D. Still north

Answer: (B)

If you face north and turn right (clockwise), you face east. This is because the compass directions go clockwise: north → east → south → west. Relative directions (left/right) depend on which way you face. Compass directions (north/south/east/west) do not. Understanding the relationship between these two systems is central to map reading.

Question 2

Two people give directions to the same place. Person A says 'Go 3 blocks north, then 2 blocks east.' Person B says 'Go 2 blocks east, then 3 blocks north.' Do they arrive at the same place?

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: True

On a grid, going 3 north then 2 east reaches the same point as going 2 east then 3 north — the total displacement is the same. However, the PATHS are different (they walk different routes). This is an important distinction: the order of perpendicular movements does not change the destination, but it does change the route. For non-perpendicular movements or one-way streets, order might matter more.

Question 3

Why are compass directions (north, south, east, west) more reliable than relative directions (left, right) for giving directions?

• A. Compass directions are shorter words
• B. Compass directions are fixed regardless of which way you face, while left and right change depending on your orientation
• C. Left and right are not real directions
• D. Compass directions are only used on maps, not in real life

Answer: (B)

If you face north, 'east' is to your right. If you turn around and face south, 'east' is now to your left — but east is still east. Compass directions are absolute (fixed relative to the Earth), while left/right are relative (depend on which way you face). This is why maps use compass directions — they are unambiguous regardless of the reader's orientation.

Question 4

How is giving clear directions similar to writing a good algorithm?

Model answer: Both require precise, ordered, complete instructions that someone can follow without guessing. A good algorithm says exactly what to do at each step, in what order, with no ambiguity. Good directions do the same: 'Walk 2 blocks north, turn right, walk 1 block east, the building is on your left.' Each step is specific (2 blocks, not 'a little way'), ordered (north first, then turn, then east), and complete (includes when to stop). Vague directions ('go that way for a while') fail for the same reason vague algorithms fail — they require guessing.

This connection reinforces the algorithmic thinking thread running through the course. Directions are a spatial algorithm — a step-by-step procedure for navigating space. Students who see this connection understand that algorithmic thinking is not limited to math or computers; it applies to any task that requires sequential, precise instructions.