Direction Sense – Reasoning Ability
(For Meghalaya Police Constable Exam)
1. Simple Explanation
Direction sense is the ability to determine the relative positions of objects or people using cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) and their intermediates (NE, NW, SE, SW).
In reasoning tests you are given a set of statements like “A is north of B” or “C is to the left of D” and you must find the direction of one entity from another.
- Cardinal directions – North (N), South (S), East (E), West (W).
- Intermediates – NE, NW, SE, SW.
- Relative terms – left, right, ahead, behind, etc.
- Bearings – angles measured clockwise from North (0°–360°).
- Diagrams – the most reliable way to visualise the relationships.
2. Key Points
| # | Concept | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardinal directions | 1: N → 0°, 2: E → 90°, 3: S → 180°, 4: W → 270° |
| 2 | Intermediate directions | 5: NE → 45°, 6: SE → 135°, 7: SW → 225°, 8: NW → 315° |
| 3 | Relative left/right | If you face north, left = west, right = east. Rotate accordingly for other headings. |
| 4 | Combining directions | Add/subtract bearings: East + North = NE. Example: If A is north of B and B is east of C, then A is NE of C. |
| 5 | Using diagrams | Draw a simple grid or dots. Mark each statement step‑by‑step. |
| 6 | Bearing calculations | Final Bearing = (Initial Bearing + Turn Angle) mod 360. |
| 7 | Distance is optional | Sometimes only direction matters; ignore distances unless they change relative position. |
| 8 | Reciprocal relationship | If A is north of B, then B is south of A. |
| 9 | Multiple statements | Resolve stepwise. Keep a list of known relations and update as new info arrives. |
| 10 | Check for contradictions | If two statements imply opposite directions, you’ve made an error. |
3. Worked Example
Problem (Typical)
*A, B, C, and D are four points.
- A is north of B.
- B is east of C.
- D is west of A.
- C is south of D.
Find the direction of D from B.*
Step‑by‑Step Solution
| Step | Statement | Diagram Action | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A north of B | Place B at origin (0,0). Put A directly above at (0, +1). | A is N of B. |
| 2 | B east of C | B is east of C → C is west of B. So C at (‑1, 0). | C is W of B. |
| 3 | D west of A | A at (0, +1). D west of A → D at (‑1, +1). | D is NW of A, but we’ll find its relation to B. |
| 4 | C south of D | C at (‑1, 0). D must be north of C → D at (‑1, +1) (already placed). | Consistent. |
| 5 | Direction of D from B | B at (0,0), D at (‑1, +1). Relative vector: left 1 unit, up 1 unit → NW. |
Answer: D is north‑west (NW) of B.
Quick Check
- From B to C: west.
- From C to D: north.
- Combined: NW. ✔️
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Cardinal & Intermediates: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.
- Relative left/right: rotate 90°; left = counter‑clockwise.
- Reciprocal: “X is Y of Z” → “Z is opposite of Y of X”.
- Diagram first: always start with a sketch.
- Add/subtract bearings: 0° (N), 90° (E), 180° (S), 270° (W).
- **Ignore distances unless specified