Understand the idea.
Break a route into steps
A pathway starts at a stated cell and gives directions in order. For each part, name the direction and the number of moves. Update your location after that part before following the next instruction.
One move crosses from a cell into a neighbouring cell. Starting at A1, three eastward moves reach D1: A1 to B1, B1 to C1, then C1 to D1. The starting cell is not an extra move.
More than one route can work
Different pathways can reach the same destination when no obstacles or restrictions are shown. To compare them, add the moves in every part of each route. Fewer instructions do not necessarily mean fewer moves.
This map allows us to count grid steps. It gives no scale connecting a step to a real distance, so we cannot turn the total into metres.
See the method in action.
Follow a route
Start at Home A1. Move two cells east and one north. Where are you?
Worked solution
- 1
Make the two eastward moves from Home.
East changes the column while the row stays 1.
- 2
Move one cell north.
North increases the row number on this map while keeping column C.
- 3
Identify the destination.
The map labels the place in C2 as Shop.
Shop at C2.
Compare routes
Compare A1 to D4 by east-then-north with north-then-east.
Worked solution
- 1
Count east, then north.
A1 to D1 needs three eastward moves; D1 to D4 needs three northward moves.
- 2
Count north, then east.
A1 to A4 needs three northward moves; A4 to D4 needs three eastward moves.
- 3
Compare the routes.
Both routes reach D4 using the same number of moves, and no obstacle is shown.
Both routes take 6 grid steps.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
Start at C2 and move one cell west. Which cell do you reach?
Show answer & reasoning
B2.
One westward move from C2 changes column C to B and keeps row 2. The destination is B2.
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions · 9 marks
Read the questions online
- Start at A1. Move three cells east. Give the destination.1 mark
- Start at D4. Move three cells south. Give the destination.1 mark
- Start at A1. Move one east and two north. Give the destination.1 mark
- Write a route from Shop C2 to School D4 using only east and north moves.2 marks
- Find the fewest north/south/east/west cell steps from Library B3 to Park D1, with no obstacles.2 marks
- Can this map alone tell the walking distance from Home to School in metres? Explain.2 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- Start at A1. Move three cells east. Give the destination.1 mark
.
D1, Park. - Start at D4. Move three cells south. Give the destination.1 mark
.
D1, Park. - Start at A1. Move one east and two north. Give the destination.1 mark
.
B3, Library. - Write a route from Shop C2 to School D4 using only east and north moves.2 marks
. North-then-east is also valid.
One cell east, then two cells north. - Find the fewest north/south/east/west cell steps from Library B3 to Park D1, with no obstacles.2 marks
Two east and two south are needed.
Four steps. - Can this map alone tell the walking distance from Home to School in metres? Explain.2 marks
A real-distance scale would be needed.
No; it gives cells but no distance scale or paths in metres.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics 2026
Letter–number references; positions; directions; pathways.
Official curriculum source ↗