Direction-sense: path with two left turns after East and North legs: I drove East for 5 miles, then North for 3 miles, then turned left and drove 2 miles, and again turned left. In which direction am I going now?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: South

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem checks basic direction-sense and turn handling on a grid. You must track orientation after each movement and left turn.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Start facing East.
  • Go East 5 miles, then North 3 miles.
  • Left from North faces West; travel 2 miles.
  • Another left from West faces South.


Concept / Approach:
Represent each move on standard compass axes (East–West as x-axis, North–South as y-axis). A left turn rotates heading 90 degrees counter-clockwise from current facing.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Initial facing = East.After East 5 and North 3, facing is still North.Left from North → West; travel 2.Left again from West → South.


Verification / Alternative check:
List headings only: East → North → (left) West → (left) South. The final facing is South.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
North/West/North-west misinterpret one or both left turns.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing position with facing; the question asks for the current direction of travel, not where you are.


Final Answer:
South

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