Position facts for kids
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| left | middle | right |
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Position is a way to explain where something is. It tells you the exact spot of an object or person.
The word "position" can also mean other things. For example, it can describe a role someone has in a team or a job they do.
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Where things are located
This section helps you understand how we describe where things are. We use words like left, right, in, out, near, and far.
Understanding left, right, and middle
To find your left side, hold your hands with palms down. Point your index fingers and stick your thumbs out. Your left hand will form a capital letter L with your finger and thumb.
If the letter L you make looks backwards, that's your right hand. Left and right are opposite directions. They help us tell things apart.
Middle means being in the center. It is between up and down, and also between left and right. Middle is the same as center.
What do 'in' and 'out' mean?
| In or inside (the blue box) | Out or outside (of the blue box) |
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In or inside means that something is protected or surrounded by something else. Think of a toy inside a box.
Out or outside means that something is not inside something else. If the toy is outside the box, it is not protected by it.
How far away: 'far' and 'near'
| The box is far. | The box is near. |
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Far means that something is a long way away from you. For example, the moon is far from Earth.
Near means it is close to you. Your desk might be near your bed. Things can also be near or far from other people or objects.
Positions in sports
In many sports, "position" describes the special job a player has on their team. Each player has a specific role to help the team win.
For example, in baseball, different positions include the catcher, the shortstop, and the pitcher. Each position has different duties and skills.
Position in math and physics
In math and physics, the position of something tells us exactly where it is in space and at a certain time. Scientists often use a system called Cartesian coordinates to write down a position.
Imagine a balloon floating in a room. A scientist might say the balloon was at x, y, z coordinates when it popped. These letters stand for numbers that show its exact spot.
Position in society
The "position" of a person can also mean their role or responsibility in a group or community. It describes their status or job.
For example, in the army, a person's position is called their rank. A general has a higher rank than a private. In a factory, the manager has a specific position with certain duties.
