Identify Quarter and Half Turns in Relation to Right Angles

In this activity, we'll take a look at turns using right angles.

A right angle is an angle that is equal to 90°.  

Here is a right angle.

We can see it's marked with a rectangle corner marker.

If you see an angle marked with a square or rectangle, it's a right angle.

One right angle is equal to 1/4 of a full turn.

Two right angles are equal to 1/2 of a full turn.

Three right angles are equal to 3/4 of a full turn.

This diagram shows a whole turn made of right angles.

The turns above are clockwise.

Let's look at an example question. 

Example

Henry starts facing north and turns clockwise through three right angles. 

Which way is he now facing?

Answer

Looking at the diagram above, we can see that if Henry turns clockwise through three right angles, he will have done a 3/4 turn from north. 

This will mean he faces west.

Now it's your turn to have a go at some questions.