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Describe a path

A path is understood as an ordered sequence of movements between locations, described with positional and directional language such as left, right, forward, backward, north, south, east, and west, along with the number of steps or spaces traveled. Learners interpret and represent paths on simple maps or grids, distinguish direction from distance, and recognize that different routes can connect the same locations, supporting later work with coordinates, measurement, and geometric turns.

Detailed Explanation: Describe a path

A path tells how to get from one place to another. It gives:

  • the direction to move: right, left, up, down, north, south, east, or west;
  • the distance: how many spaces or steps;
  • the order of the movements.

Worked example

A bug starts at the flower. It follows these directions:

  1. Move 3 spaces right.
  2. Move 2 spaces up.
  3. Move 1 space left.

Follow the path one movement at a time:

  • Start at the flower.
  • Count 3 spaces to the right.
  • From there, count 2 spaces up.
  • Then count 1 space to the left.

The path can be described as:

3 spaces right, 2 spaces up, 1 space left3\text{ spaces right},\ 2\text{ spaces up},\ 1\text{ space left}

The bug ends 2 spaces to the right and 2 spaces up from the flower.

Remember: the direction tells which way to go, and the number tells how far to go. Keep the movements in the correct order because changing the order can change the path.

Learn by doing: Describe a path

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    Map Path (Compass) - Destination to Three Instructions

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