What Are Relative Coordinates?
Relative coordinates tell us where something is compared to something
else!
Instead of using fixed positions (like on a map), relative coordinates describe how far and in what
direction one point is from another. It's like giving directions from your current location rather than
using an address.
How Relative Coordinates Work
1️⃣ Pick a starting point (we call this the "reference point")
2️⃣ Measure how far left/right and up/down your object is from that point
3️⃣ Write the position as (right/left amount, up/down amount)
Let's Try Some Examples!
Example 1: Robot Navigation
Program the robot to reach the battery relative to its starting position!
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How should the robot move to get the battery?
Battery is at: (150, -100) from robot
Parent Tips 🌟
- Play "Simon Says" with coordinates: Give directions like "Simon says take 3 steps right relative to the couch" to practice relative positioning.
- Use real-world examples: When giving directions at home, use relative terms ("The cookies are two shelves above the microwave") to reinforce the concept.
- Create a treasure map: Hide an object and create a map using relative coordinates from a fixed point in your home.