Clock orientation logic: At 4:30, if the minute hand points East, in which direction does the hour hand point?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: North–East

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We use relative hand angles and then apply a rotation so that the minute hand (normally at 6 at 4:30) is aligned to East.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • At 4:30, minute hand is at 6 (normally South).
  • Given: minute points East ⇒ the whole clock is rotated so South maps to East (a +90° rotation).
  • Hour hand at 4:30 lies halfway between 4 and 5 (direction SE in a normal clock).


Concept / Approach:
Rotate the hour-hand vector by +90°. A SE vector (down-right) rotated +90° becomes NE (up-right).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Normal 4:30 hour-hand direction ≈ South-East.Apply +90° rotation (since minute 6 → East).Resulting direction = North–East.


Verification / Alternative check:
Vector (1, −1) → (1, 1) under +90° rotation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
South/South–West/North assume incorrect or opposite rotation.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that both hands rotate together when the frame is reoriented.


Final Answer:
North–East

More Questions from Direction Sense Test

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion