Describe relative position

Relative position describes where one object or location is in relation to another, using meaningful spatial relationships such as above, below, left, right, in front of, behind, between, near, and far. The relationship depends on the chosen reference point and can be reversed—for example, if one object is left of another, the second is right of the first—and is represented in pictures, simple maps, or arrangements; formal coordinate geometry, ordered pairs, and precise distance or angle calculations are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Describe relative position

To describe an object’s relative position, tell where it is compared with another object.

Use these steps:

Choose the object you are describing.
Choose the reference object—the object you are comparing it with.
Look at how the two objects are arranged.
Use a position word such as above, below, left of, right of, in front of, behind, near, or far.

Example

Look at the picture:

        kite

ball                 book

Question: Where is the kite compared with the ball?

The kite is the object we are describing.
The ball is the reference object.
The kite is higher than the ball.

Answer: The kite is above the ball.

Remember that the reference object matters. In the same picture, the ball is below the kite.

Learn by doing: Describe relative position

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Spatial Awareness - Left or Right

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