Facing West, you turn 45° clockwise, then 180° clockwise again, and finally 270° anti-clockwise. After all these turns, what direction are you facing?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: south-west

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item checks cumulative turn tracking. You must add clockwise rotations and subtract anti-clockwise rotations, then map the resulting angle to a compass direction.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial facing: West.
  • Turns: +45° clockwise, +180° clockwise, −270° anti-clockwise.
  • Compass mapping (one convenient scheme): East = 0°, South = 90°, West = 180°, North = 270°.


Concept / Approach:
Convert the initial facing to an angle, accumulate signed turns, reduce modulo 360°, and interpret the quadrant.



Step-by-Step Solution:
West corresponds to 180°.After +45°: 180° + 45° = 225°.After +180°: 225° + 180° = 405° → 405° − 360° = 45°.After −270°: 45° − 270° = −225° → add 360° → 135°.135° lies between South (90°) and West (180°): that is South-West.



Verification / Alternative check:
Combine the turns first: total rotation = +45° + 180° − 270° = −45°. From West (180°), −45° gives 135°, i.e., South-West. Same result.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • South: 90° exact; we have 135°.
  • West: 180° exact; not our final bearing.
  • North-West: 315° or around that quadrant; not matching 135°.
  • None of these: incorrect since South-West fits.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to wrap angles within 0°–360° or mixing the sign of anti-clockwise rotation.



Final Answer:
south-west

More Questions from Direction Sense Test

Discussion & Comments

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