Difference between north of east and east of north

[Flaming Toilet]

Hello everybody! First time poster here. Anyway, as the topic stated I'm confused about the naming of vector direction. For example, the difference between north of east and east of north?

 

[Chi Meson]

Combusting Commode

20 degrees "North of east" means "20 degrees north of the east axis. Specifically: you start with the east axis (just like the positive x axis) and rotate counter-clockwise for 20 degrees.

20 degrees "east of north" means you start with the north axis (or Y axis) and rotate clockwise 20 degrees.

 

[Flaming Toilet]

Ah, I see. Thanks for your info!