11-plus Maths | Position - learning the compass points

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Maths Quiz - Position (Easy) (Questions)

This 11 Plus Maths quiz helps pupils practise bearings, angles, and directions used in navigation and problem solving.

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Fascinating Fact:

Pilots use bearings to navigate, turning at angles measured clockwise from north to reach their next destination exactly on time.

In 11 Plus Maths, pupils learn about bearings, turns, and angles to describe direction and position. These concepts are vital in map reading, geometry, and travel planning.

Key Terms

Bearing: A direction measured clockwise from north, usually written as a three-digit number like 045°.
Angle: The space between two lines or directions, measured in degrees.
Rotation: A turn around a fixed point, often used to describe movement in geometry or navigation.

Learn more about how bearings and other maths topics appear in 11 Plus exams in our 11 Plus subjects guide for parents.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does bearing mean in maths?

A bearing is the direction of one point from another, measured in degrees clockwise from north. It is used in navigation and geometry.

How do you write a bearing correctly?

Bearings are written as three-digit numbers, for example 045° or 270°, to show a precise direction from north.

Why do pilots and sailors use bearings?

Bearings give accurate directions, helping pilots, sailors, and navigators stay on course and reach their destination safely.

Try These Related Quizzes

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

[ ]	SE
[ ]	S
[ ]	SW
[ ]	W

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

[ ]	NE
[ ]	E
[ ]	SE
[ ]	S

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

[ ]	W
[ ]	NW
[ ]	N
[ ]	SW

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

[ ]	S
[ ]	E
[ ]	SE
[ ]	NE

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

[ ]	E
[ ]	NE
[ ]	You can't say because you haven't been told whether to turn clockwise or anticlockwise
[ ]	NW

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

[ ]	You can't say
[ ]	W
[ ]	S
[ ]	SW

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

[ ]	N
[ ]	NW
[ ]	You can't say
[ ]	NE

Peter and John are at the same position on the ground. Peter is facing NE. John is facing SE. If Peter turns clockwise through 135°, what angle must John turn through to face in the same direction as Peter?

[ ]	135° anticlockwise
[ ]	45° anticlockwise
[ ]	45° clockwise
[ ]	135° clockwise

Peter and John are at the same position on the ground again. Peter is facing NE. John is facing SE. If Peter turns clockwise through 135° what angle must John turn through to face in the same direction as Peter? This time, John is NOT allowed to turn clockwise through 45°.

[ ]	180° anticlockwise
[ ]	45° anticlockwise
[ ]	315° clockwise
[ ]	315° anticlockwise

10.

How many points are there in the compass rose?

[ ]	24
[ ]	16
[ ]	8
[ ]	32

Maths Quiz - Position (Easy) (Answers)

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

[ ]	SE
[ ]	S
[x]	SW
[ ]	W

'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'. 180° = two lots of 90° or a half turn

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

[ ]	NE
[ ]	E
[x]	SE
[ ]	S

'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'. 180° = two lots of 90° or a half turn

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

[x]	W
[ ]	NW
[ ]	N
[ ]	SW

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

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

[ ]	S
[ ]	E
[x]	SE
[ ]	NE

225° = five lots of 45° or five-eighths of a rotation (turn): 45° is an eighth of a turn

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

[ ]	E
[x]	NE
[ ]	You can't say because you haven't been told whether to turn clockwise or anticlockwise
[ ]	NW

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!

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

[ ]	You can't say
[ ]	W
[ ]	S
[x]	SW

Look at the compass rose if you can't see this

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

[ ]	N
[x]	NW
[ ]	You can't say
[ ]	NE

Look at the compass rose if you can't see this

[ ]	135° anticlockwise
[ ]	45° anticlockwise
[x]	45° clockwise
[ ]	135° clockwise

Peter turns through 135° (= three lots of 45°) and ends up facing S. John will have to turn clockwise through 45° (an eighth of a turn)

[ ]	180° anticlockwise
[ ]	45° anticlockwise
[ ]	315° clockwise
[x]	315° anticlockwise

John must turn in the opposite direction until he faces S again as in question 8. This shows that for every anticlockwise rotation there is also a clockwise rotation that brings you facing in the same direction. Note: the anticlockwise angle turned through + the clockwise angle turned through = 360°. This is a good check if you want to make sure that you haven't made a mistake

10.