Q: From A to B: 3 km East. From B, turn left and go 3× that distance to C. From C, turn left and go 5× the A→B distance to reach D. What is the shortest distance from A (start) to D (destination)?

Introduction / Context: Multi-leg vector problems require careful scaling of segments and consistent turn directions. We will compute coordinates after each segment and then the straight-line distance from start to finish. Given Data / Assumptions: A→B: 3 km East. B→C: left turn, distance = 3 × 3 = 9 km (East→left = North). C→D: left turn again, distance = 5 × 3 = 15 km (North→left = West). Concept / Approach: Use coordinate accumulation: East +x, West −x, North +y, South −y. Then apply the distance formula. Step-by-Step Solution: Start A at (0,0).After A→B: (3, 0).After B→C (North 9): (3, 9).After C→D (West 15): (−12, 9).Distance A→D = sqrt((−12)^2 + 9^2) = sqrt(144 + 81) = sqrt(225) = 15 km. Verification / Alternative check: The 9-12-15 triple is a scaled 3-4-5 triangle (×3). Diagram confirms displacement of 12 West and 9 North. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 12, 16, 18 km do not match the exact Pythagorean distance computed. Common Pitfalls: Applying “left” relative to the fixed East–West axis instead of the current heading. Final Answer: 15 KM

Q: Radhika walks 50 m South from home, then 20 m East, then 30 m North, and then heads straight back home. In which direction is she walking at that last step?

Introduction / Context: We track Radhika’s current location relative to home and then determine the bearing of the straight line from that location back to home. Given Data / Assumptions: South 50 → (0, −50) East 20 → (20, −50) North 30 → (20, −20) Home is at (0, 0). Concept / Approach: The direction while walking home is the direction of the vector from current position (20, −20) to (0, 0), i.e., (−20, +20). Step-by-Step Solution: Current position: (20, −20).Vector to home: (0 − 20, 0 − (−20)) = (−20, +20).x 0 → North component.Hence, the direction is North-West. Verification / Alternative check: Sketch shows the point lies 20 m East and 20 m South of home; returning path goes diagonally up-left (North-West). Why Other Options Are Wrong: North alone lacks the West component; East/South-East point away from home. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “direction from home” with “direction towards home.” The question asks the latter. Final Answer: North - West

Question 1

A river flows West → East, then turns left and follows a semicircular path around a hillock, and then turns left by a right angle (90°). In which direction is the river finally flowing?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question involves successive left turns along curved and straight segments. We must track heading changes qualitatively: starting flow East, a left deflection, then a continuing left semicircle (180° of turning), and finally another left 90°. Given Data / Assumptions: Initial heading: East. Left turn into a semicircle around a hill (continuous left curvature totaling 180°). After completing that semicircle, there is an additional discrete left turn of 90°. Concept / Approach: Model headings cumulatively. A left semicircle means “continue turning left until you have turned through 180° from the entry heading.” Keep careful track of the orientation at entry and exit of the curved segment. Step-by-Step Solution: Start East. First left deflection places the river curving left; as it proceeds through a semicircle, its heading rotates left by a total of 180°.If the river enters the semicircle oriented roughly North after the first left, exiting 180° later gives a Southward orientation.From that Southward orientation, one more left (90°) brings the heading to East.Therefore, the final flow is East. Verification / Alternative check: Think of a car: from East, a left arc of 180° flips your heading; an extra left 90° then realigns to East. Diagramming the arc confirms the end direction. Why Other Options Are Wrong: West/North/South each correspond to intermediate states during the motion but not the final direction after the last 90° left. Common Pitfalls: Interpreting the semicircle as “half-circle path in space” without tracking heading, or forgetting the final discrete 90° left. Final Answer: East

Question 2

A man faces West, turns 45° clockwise, then 180° clockwise, and finally 270° anti-clockwise. Which direction is he facing now?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is the same cumulative-rotation style as earlier, but with a different wording. We will compute a net heading by adding/subtracting signed turns and mapping to compass points. Given Data / Assumptions: Initial facing: West (take as 180°). Clockwise turns: +45° and +180°. Anti-clockwise turn: −270°. Concept / Approach: Angle arithmetic with normalization into [0°, 360°). Then identify quadrant and standard bearing names. Step-by-Step Solution: Start: 180°.After +45° → 225°.After +180° → 405° → 45° after modulo 360.After −270° → 45° − 270° = −225° → +360° = 135°.135° lies between South (90°) and West (180°): South-West. Verification / Alternative check: Total rotation = +45 + 180 − 270 = −45°. From West (180°), −45° → 135° = South-West. Same outcome. Why Other Options Are Wrong: West (180°), South (90°), North-West (~315°) do not match the computed 135° final bearing. Common Pitfalls: Omitting angle wraparound or confusing the sign of anti-clockwise rotation. Final Answer: South - West

Question 3

Namita walks 14 m West, turns right and walks 14 m, then turns left and walks 10 m, then turns left again and walks 14 m. What is the shortest distance between her start and present position?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We track axis-aligned moves and compute the straight-line (Euclidean) distance between the start and end points. Right/left are relative to current facing. Given Data / Assumptions: Segment 1: 14 m West. Turn right (from West → face North), then 14 m. Turn left (from North → face West), then 10 m. Turn left (from West → face South), then 14 m. Concept / Approach: Use coordinates with start at (0,0). West decreases x; East increases x; North increases y; South decreases y. Step-by-Step Solution: After 14 W: (−14, 0).Right to North, +14: (−14, 14).Left to West, +10: (−24, 14).Left to South, +14: (−24, 0).Distance from (0,0) to (−24,0) = 24 m. Verification / Alternative check: The y ends back at 0, so only x offset matters; tallying westward distances (14 + 10) minus any east returns confirms 24 m. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10, 28, 38 m do not match the computed coordinate difference. Common Pitfalls: Misreading left/right relative to current facing rather than absolute compass directions. Final Answer: 24

Question 4

Amit walks 30 m East, then right 40 m (South), then left 30 m (East). From the starting point, which direction is he now?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We must find the bearing of the final point relative to the origin after a sequence of axis moves. Only the quadrant is asked (not the exact angle). Given Data / Assumptions: East 30 m → (30, 0). Right from East is South → 40 m → (30, −40). Left from South is East → 30 m → (60, −40). Concept / Approach: Positive x means East of start; negative y means South of start. Combine signs to get the quadrant. Step-by-Step Solution: Final coordinates: (60, −40).x > 0 → East; y < 0 → South.Therefore quadrant = South-East. Verification / Alternative check: A quick sketch shows the point down and to the right of the origin, confirming South-East. Why Other Options Are Wrong: North-East requires y > 0; pure East requires y = 0; South is x = 0 and y < 0. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up left/right turns relative to current heading. Final Answer: South - East

Question 5

From A to B: 3 km East. From B, turn left and go 3× that distance to C. From C, turn left and go 5× the A→B distance to reach D. What is the shortest distance from A (start) to D (destination)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Multi-leg vector problems require careful scaling of segments and consistent turn directions. We will compute coordinates after each segment and then the straight-line distance from start to finish. Given Data / Assumptions: A→B: 3 km East. B→C: left turn, distance = 3 × 3 = 9 km (East→left = North). C→D: left turn again, distance = 5 × 3 = 15 km (North→left = West). Concept / Approach: Use coordinate accumulation: East +x, West −x, North +y, South −y. Then apply the distance formula. Step-by-Step Solution: Start A at (0,0).After A→B: (3, 0).After B→C (North 9): (3, 9).After C→D (West 15): (−12, 9).Distance A→D = sqrt((−12)^2 + 9^2) = sqrt(144 + 81) = sqrt(225) = 15 km. Verification / Alternative check: The 9-12-15 triple is a scaled 3-4-5 triangle (×3). Diagram confirms displacement of 12 West and 9 North. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 12, 16, 18 km do not match the exact Pythagorean distance computed. Common Pitfalls: Applying “left” relative to the fixed East–West axis instead of the current heading. Final Answer: 15 KM

Question 6

Radhika walks 50 m South from home, then 20 m East, then 30 m North, and then heads straight back home. In which direction is she walking at that last step?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We track Radhika’s current location relative to home and then determine the bearing of the straight line from that location back to home. Given Data / Assumptions: South 50 → (0, −50) East 20 → (20, −50) North 30 → (20, −20) Home is at (0, 0). Concept / Approach: The direction while walking home is the direction of the vector from current position (20, −20) to (0, 0), i.e., (−20, +20). Step-by-Step Solution: Current position: (20, −20).Vector to home: (0 − 20, 0 − (−20)) = (−20, +20).x < 0 → West component; y > 0 → North component.Hence, the direction is North-West. Verification / Alternative check: Sketch shows the point lies 20 m East and 20 m South of home; returning path goes diagonally up-left (North-West). Why Other Options Are Wrong: North alone lacks the West component; East/South-East point away from home. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “direction from home” with “direction towards home.” The question asks the latter. Final Answer: North - West

Question 7

You go North, then turn right, then right again, then go to the left. After these moves, which direction are you facing?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a pure facing-direction puzzle without distances. We only need to track the facing after successive relative turns starting from North. Given Data / Assumptions: Initial facing: North. Sequence: Right → Right → Left. Concept / Approach: Apply right and left relative to the current facing at each step. A simple mental compass or a quick 4-point diagram helps. Step-by-Step Solution: Start facing North.Right from North → East.Right from East → South.Left from South → East.Final facing: East. Verification / Alternative check: Two rights equal a 180° turn; North → South. Then one left from South returns to East. Why Other Options Are Wrong: North/South/West do not match the final orientation after the described turns. Common Pitfalls: Applying left/right to the global North rather than the current orientation. Final Answer: East

Question 8

Rohan walks 3 km North, then 2 km West, then 3 km South, then 3 km East. How far from the starting point is he now?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The path forms a near-rectangle with one side longer on the final East leg. We compute net displacements on each axis and then the straight-line distance to the origin. Given Data / Assumptions: 3 km North → y = +3. 2 km West → x = −2. 3 km South → y back to 0. 3 km East → x = −2 + 3 = +1. Concept / Approach: End point: (1, 0). Distance to origin is simply the absolute x-offset. Step-by-Step Solution: Final coordinates: (1, 0).Distance = sqrt(1^2 + 0^2) = 1 km. Verification / Alternative check: North/South cancel; net East = 1 km. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 2/3/5 km do not reflect the computed net offset. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting that the North and South legs cancel exactly. Final Answer: 1 KM

Question 9

Maya: T→U 4 ft, left to W 4 ft, right to P 3 ft, right to Q 1 ft, left to V 1 ft, right to R 3 ft. What is the straight distance TR?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We interpret each leg on a square grid with 90° turns and track coordinates from the starting point T to the final point R, then compute the straight-line distance TR. Given Data / Assumptions: T→U: 4 ft in some straight direction (assume East for coordinate convenience—only relative turns matter). Then: left 4 ft, right 3 ft, right 1 ft, left 1 ft, right 3 ft, with the specified order. Concept / Approach: Represent positions and apply left/right relative to the current facing at each step. Distance is |Δx| if y returns to 0, else use Pythagoras. Step-by-Step Solution: Start T (0,0), face East.U: (4,0).Left (North) 4 → W: (4,4).Right (East) 3 → P: (7,4).Right (South) 1 → Q: (7,3).Left (East) 1 → V: (8,3).Right (South) 3 → R: (8,0).Distance TR = sqrt((8−0)^2 + (0−0)^2) = 8 ft. Verification / Alternative check: Sketching the path shows all vertical shifts cancel to y = 0 at the end; only the net +8 in x remains. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 4/5/7 ft do not match the computed coordinate difference. Common Pitfalls: Applying left/right relative to North instead of current heading; mixing up one-foot leg directions. Final Answer: 8 Ft.

Question 10

Sanjeev walks 10 m South, then 20 m East, then 20 m South, then 20 m West, then 10 m North. How far and in which direction is he from the start?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Accumulate displacements along East–West (x) and North–South (y) axes, then describe the final vector from origin. Given Data / Assumptions: S: −10 → (0, −10) E: +20 → (20, −10) S: −20 → (20, −30) W: −20 → (0, −30) N: +10 → (0, −20) Concept / Approach: The final coordinates give both distance and direction relative to the start. Step-by-Step Solution: End point: (0, −20).Distance = 20 m; direction is straight South from the start. Verification / Alternative check: East and West legs cancel (20 each). Net South = 10 + 20 − 10 = 20 m. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They misstate either the magnitude or the direction of the net displacement. Common Pitfalls: Noticing that the final North leg only partially cancels prior South legs. Final Answer: 20 meters South

Question 11

A man walks 1 km East, 5 km South, 2 km East, and then 9 km North. How far is he from the starting point now?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Add the axis movements and compute the resultant distance using the Pythagorean theorem. Given Data / Assumptions: East: 1 + 2 = 3 km. North/South: −5 + 9 = +4 km (net North 4). Concept / Approach: Resultant vector R = (3, 4) from the origin. Distance is sqrt(3^2 + 4^2). Step-by-Step Solution: Compute R: (3, 4).Distance = sqrt(9 + 16) = sqrt(25) = 5 km. Verification / Alternative check: Classic 3-4-5 triangle confirms 5 km. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 3/4/7 km do not equal the computed hypotenuse. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to combine the two East legs or mis-signing South/North. Final Answer: 5 KM

Question 12

A walks 10 m forward (assume North), then 10 m to the right (East). Then, turning left each time, he walks 5 m, 15 m, and 15 m. How far is he from the starting point now?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We combine relative turns with fixed step lengths. Start with a notional facing (North), then interpret “right” and successive “left” turns relative to that orientation while accumulating coordinates. Given Data / Assumptions: Forward 10 (North): (0,10). Right 10 (East): (10,10). Left → face North, go 5 → (10,15). Left → face West, go 15 → (−5,15). Left → face South, go 15 → (−5,0). Concept / Approach: Use consistent left/right relative to current heading, not absolute axes. Then apply distance formula to final coordinates. Step-by-Step Solution: End position: (−5, 0).Distance from origin = sqrt((−5)^2 + 0^2) = 5 m. Verification / Alternative check: Vertical components end at y = 0; net horizontal is 5 m West, hence magnitude 5 m. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10/20/23 m do not match the computed displacement. Common Pitfalls: Losing track of the third and fourth turns, or treating “left” as absolute West. Final Answer: 5 meters

Question 13

A man walks 20 m East, 10 m South, 35 m West, 5 m North, and 15 m East. What is the straight-line distance between his initial and final positions?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sum axis movements to find the final coordinate, then compute the Euclidean distance from the start. Given Data / Assumptions: x (East–West): +20 − 35 + 15 = 0. y (North–South): −10 + 5 = −5. Concept / Approach: Final point is (0, −5) relative to start (0,0); the distance is simply 5 m. Step-by-Step Solution: Compute net East: 20 − 35 + 15 = 0 → aligned vertically with start.Compute net North: −10 + 5 = −5 → 5 m South.Distance = 5 m. Verification / Alternative check: A quick sketch shows ending directly below the start by 5 m. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 0 only if you return to origin; “Cannot be determined” is incorrect since all distances and directions are given. Common Pitfalls: Arithmetic slips when combining the three East–West legs. Final Answer: 5

Question 14

Kamu walks 5 km West from home, then 3 km North, then 2 km West, then 3 km South, then 3 km West. In what direction is she now from her house?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Determine the final bearing of Kamu’s location relative to home after successive axis moves. Only the direction (not the distance) is required. Given Data / Assumptions: x (East–West): −5 − 2 − 3 = −10 km → 10 km West. y (North–South): +3 − 3 = 0 → vertically aligned with home. Concept / Approach: Since the net North–South displacement is zero and the net East–West displacement is negative, the only direction component remaining is West. Step-by-Step Solution: Final coordinates: (−10, 0) relative to home.Hence, the direction from home is West. Verification / Alternative check: A sketch shows ending on the same horizontal line as home but 10 km to the left (West). Why Other Options Are Wrong: North/South require a y offset; East contradicts the net West displacement. Common Pitfalls: Dropping a minus sign while summing the three Westward legs. Final Answer: West

Question 15

Direction sense — Janaki's route and final facing Janaki starts from her house and walks 2 km towards North, then turns right and covers 1 km. She again turns right and walks 2 km. In what direction is she going at the end?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a basic direction-sense problem involving two right turns and equal backtracking in the north–south axis. Given Data / Assumptions: Start facing North. Walk: 2 km North → right turn (East) 1 km → right turn (South) 2 km. Turns are 90°; distances are exact. Concept / Approach: Use a simple x–y grid. North = +y, East = +x, South = −y, West = −x. Track both orientation and displacement. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) After 2 km North, face North.2) Right turn → face East; move 1 km.3) Right turn → face South; move 2 km.4) Final heading is the direction of the last leg. Verification / Alternative check: Diagramming a simple L-shape returning southward confirms the final facing is South. Why Other Options Are Wrong: North/East/West do not match the direction of the last segment after the second right turn. Common Pitfalls: Mistaking position (where) for facing (direction of travel). We are asked for facing at the end. Final Answer: South

Question 16

Direction sense — Mohan's facing after a rectangular path Mohan starts at point A, walks 1 km South, turns left and walks 1 km, turns left again and walks 1 km. Now he is facing which direction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A two left-turn walk typically reorients the traveller 180° from the original heading. Given Data / Assumptions: Legs: 1 km South → left to East 1 km → left to North 1 km. Each left turn is 90°. Concept / Approach: Track heading after each turn, not just displacement. Step-by-Step Solution: Start facing South.First left → face East.Second left → face North.Final step is towards North; hence final facing is North. Verification / Alternative check: Sketching reveals a U-shaped path returning to a line parallel to the start, facing North. Why Other Options Are Wrong: East/West/South-west do not match the heading after the second left. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the direction back to A with current facing. Final Answer: North

Question 17

Direction sense — Suresh's final position relative to start Suresh walks 7 km East, turns left and walks 4 km, turns right and walks 5 km, then turns right and walks 4 km. In which direction is he now from his starting point?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This tests relative direction from the origin after multiple orthogonal moves. Given Data / Assumptions: Moves: +7 East → +4 North → +5 East → −4 North. Concept / Approach: Compute net displacement components (x, y) from the starting point. Step-by-Step Solution: East total = 7 + 5 = 12.North total = 4 − 4 = 0.Net vector = (12, 0), i.e., due East of the origin. Verification / Alternative check: Plotting on grid shows the final point lies on the same east–west line as the start, to its East. Why Other Options Are Wrong: North/South would require nonzero y; West contradicts the positive x result. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting that consecutive opposite vertical legs cancel. Final Answer: East

Question 18

Direction sense — deducing the initial facing After walking 200 m, I turned right and walked 100 m, then turned left and walked 300 m. In the end I am facing North. From which direction did I start my journey (initial facing)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The problem asks for the initial facing given a right turn followed by a left turn and a known final facing. Given Data / Assumptions: Right turn then left turn returns the traveller to the original heading. Concept / Approach: If final facing equals the initial facing (right then left), and final is North, initial must be North. Step-by-Step Solution: Let initial = F.After right: F → Right(F).After left: Right(F) → F.Given final = North ⇒ F = North. Verification / Alternative check: Construct with any coordinates; orientation logic is independent of distances. Why Other Options Are Wrong: East/West/South conflict with the identity effect of a right followed by a left. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up position vs facing; distances don’t affect heading identity here. Final Answer: North

Question 19

Direction sense — Raghu's last observed direction Raghu jogs 2 km South, then turns right and walks 5 km, then turns right and moves 8 km. In which direction was he seen moving last?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We are asked for the direction of the final leg, not the absolute position. Given Data / Assumptions: South → right to West → right to North. Concept / Approach: Two successive right turns rotate the heading by 180°. Step-by-Step Solution: Initial South → right = West.West → right = North.He was last seen moving North. Verification / Alternative check: Draw arrows to confirm orientation transitions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: They correspond to prior legs or incorrect rotations. Final Answer: North

Question 20

Direction sense — rat's final facing after multiple turns A rat runs 20 feet East, turns right and runs 10 feet, turns right and runs 9 feet, turns left and runs 5 feet, turns left and runs 12 feet, and finally turns left and runs 6 feet. What direc…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A multi-turn path requires careful tracking of heading after each maneuver. Given Data / Assumptions: Start East; sequence: right→South, right→West, left→South, left→East, left→North. Concept / Approach: Right turn = clockwise 90°; left = counter-clockwise 90°. Step-by-Step Solution: Start facing East.After 1st right: South.After 2nd right: West.After 1st left: South.After 2nd left: East.After 3rd left: North (final). Verification / Alternative check: Draw a compass rose and rotate stepwise; distances do not change facing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: East/West/South reflect intermediate legs, not the final orientation. Common Pitfalls: Losing track by adding/subtracting distances instead of focusing on heading. Final Answer: NORTH

Direction Sense Test Questions