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Position Quiz Illustration | A clock face

The hands of the clock turn 'clockwise'

Position 3 (Easy)

This 11 Plus Maths quiz explores position and movement, showing how angles, turns, and coordinates describe where things are and how they travel.

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(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Every direction, from the flight of a bird to the path of a car, can be described with angles, coordinates, and compass points, because position is the language of movement.

In 11 Plus Maths, pupils learn to describe position using coordinates, compass directions, and bearings. These skills are useful for geometry, map reading, and real-world navigation.

Key Terms

Coordinate: A pair of numbers that show the position of a point on a graph or map.
Compass Point: A direction such as north, south, east, or west, used to describe movement or location.
Axis: A fixed reference line used to measure coordinates, usually labelled X and Y.

To learn more about 11 Plus exam topics and study materials, read our guide for parents on 11 Plus courses and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are coordinates in maths?

Coordinates are numbers that show where a point is on a grid, written in brackets like (3, 2), with the first value for the X-axis and the second for the Y-axis.

How do you describe position using a compass?

You use compass points such as north, south, east, and west, or combinations like north-east, to describe direction and movement.

What is the importance of bearings in maths?

Bearings give exact directions in degrees measured clockwise from north, helping with navigation, geometry, and real-life map work.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

If you face NE and turn through 90° anticlockwise, what direction will you be facing now?

Anticlockwise' means that you turn (rotate) in the opposite direction to which the hands of the clock turn: the hands of the clock turn 'clockwise'. 90° = one quarter turn from NE to NW

2 .

If you face SW and turn through 225° anticlockwise, what direction will you be facing now?

'Anticlockwise' means that you turn (rotate) in the opposite direction to which the hands of the clock turn: the hands of the clock turn 'clockwise'. 225° = 180° (one half turn, to NE) + 45° (one eighth of a turn, from NE to N)

3 .

If you face W and turn through 135° anticlockwise, what direction will you be facing now?

135° = three lots of 45° or three-eighths of a rotation (turn): 45° is an eighth of a turn

4 .

If you face West and turn through 315° clockwise, what direction will you be facing now?

315° = seven lots of 45° or seven-eighths of a rotation (turn): 45° is an eighth of a turn

5 .

If you face NW and turn through 180°, what direction will you be facing now?

It doesn't make any difference whether you turn clockwise or anticlockwise because you are making a half turn; this means that you will always end up facing the same way no matter which way you turn. If you don't believe it - turn around! D'oh!

6 .

If you face NE, what direction is 45° to your left?

To your left is another way of saying anticlockwise. 45° anticlockwise from NE is North. Look at the compass rose if you can't see this

7 .

If you face SW, what direction is right behind you?

Behind you will be 180° from SW, which is NE. Look at the compass rose if you can't see this

8 .

Jennifer and Julie are at the same position on the ground. Jennifer is facing SW. Julie is facing SE. If Jenifer turns anticlockwise through 135°, what angle must Julie turn through to face in the same direction as Jennifer?

90° clockwise

90° anticlockwise

45° clockwise

45° anticlockwise

Jennifer turns through 135° (= three lots of 45°) and ends up facing E. Julie will have to turn anticlockwise through 45° (an eighth of a turn) from SE to E

9 .

Jim and Bob at the same position on the ground. Jim is facing NW. Bob is facing SW. If Jim turns clockwise through 225° what angle must Bob turn through to face in the same direction as Jim?

45° clockwise

90° clockwise

90° anticlockwise

315° clockwise

Jim turns through 225° (= five lots of 45°) and ends up facing S. Bob will have to turn clockwise through 315° (seven-eighths of a turn) from SW to S.
45° anticlockwise would also work, and is simpler, but it wasn’t one of the available answers

10 .

Which point lies between SW and NW?

You would do yourself a favour by learning the points of the compass!

Author: Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)