Bearings are angles measured clockwise from north, always written as three figures (e.g., 045°, 210°, 350°). They're used in navigation and map-reading.
Core Rules
- Measured from North.
- Measured clockwise.
- Written as three figures (e.g., 060°, not 60°).
Back Bearings
The bearing of A from B is the opposite direction of B from A.
If bearing of B from A is :
- If : back bearing =
- If : back bearing =
Worked Example: Example 1
Problem
Bearing of B from A is 070°. Back bearing (A from B) = .
Solution
Worked Example: Example 2
Problem
A ship sails on bearing 125° for 30 km, then bearing 210° for 20 km. Draw accurately and find the distance from start.
Solution
Worked Example: Example 3
Problem
Using trig: ship sails 50 km on bearing 060°. How far east? km.
Solution
Practice Problems
- Bearing of B from A is 310°. Find bearing of A from B.
- Draw a path: 5 cm on bearing 040°, then 3 cm on bearing 150°.
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Key Takeaways
From north, measure clockwise, three figures.
Back bearing: ± 180°.
Use trigonometry for calculating distances and positions.