Bearings (Definition)

Statement

Bearings describe directions in navigation and geometry. They are measured as angles clockwise from North and are always expressed as three-digit numbers, such as 045°, 120°, or 270°.

Why it’s true (short reason)

• North is the fixed reference direction for navigation.
• Measuring clockwise ensures consistency.
• Using 3 digits removes ambiguity, so 45° becomes 045°.

Recipe (how to use it)

1. Draw a North line at the point of origin.
2. Measure the angle clockwise from North to the direction of travel.
3. Write the bearing as a 3-digit number (e.g. 75° → 075°).

Spotting it

You will see bearings in questions involving:

• Maps and navigation problems.
• Geometry questions about directions.
• Angles between places, ships, or aircraft.

Common pairings

• Scale drawings of maps.
• Trigonometry for distances between places.
• Compass directions (N, E, S, W).

Mini examples

1. From town A, town B is due East. Bearing of B from A = 090°.
2. A ship sails directly South. Bearing = 180°.
3. A plane heads North-West (45° West of North). Bearing = 315°.

Pitfalls

• Forgetting bearings must always be 3 digits.
• Measuring anticlockwise instead of clockwise.
• Mixing up “bearing of A from B” with “bearing of B from A” (they differ by 180°).

Exam strategy

• Always start with a North line before measuring angles.
• Use a protractor clockwise, not anticlockwise.
• Write answers with 3 digits (e.g. 045° not 45°).
• Check reciprocal bearings: they differ by 180°.

Summary

Bearings give precise directions by measuring clockwise from North. They avoid confusion by always using 3-digit numbers. They are widely used in maps, navigation, and geometry problems in exams.