Quick question about compass/degree

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of compass directions and angles, specifically regarding the notation of 50° SW in a textbook. Participants are exploring the meaning of this notation and its implications in terms of standard angle measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of 50° SW, with some suggesting it refers to 50 degrees South of West, while others explore the equivalence of this angle in terms of standard degrees. There is also a discussion about the interpretation of angles in different contexts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying their understanding of compass directions and angles. Some have offered interpretations and equivalences, while others are still exploring the implications of the notation without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the notation used in the textbook, and participants are considering various interpretations based on standard compass direction conventions.

personguything
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Hi!
My textbook has an answer written as 50° SW. I thought 50° was NE?...Does the book mean -50°(230°)?

Thanks!
 
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personguything said:
Hi!
My textbook has an answer written as 50° SW. I thought 50° was NE?...Does the book mean -50°(230°)?

Thanks!
Could be they mean 50° South of West, equivalent to 180° + 50° = 230°.

-50° would be equivalent to 310°.
 
OHHH south OF west haha I understand. Thanks!
 
gneill said:
Could be they mean 50° South of West, equivalent to 180° + 50° = 230°.

Wouldn't that be 50 degrees West of South :-)

West is 270 degrees so 50 degrees South of West would be 220.
 

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