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Navigation Maths
Navigation Maths
Pilots, sailors, and hikers all use bearings to navigate. Instead of saying "go north-east", they say "head on bearing 045°". It's more precise! Bearings are always three digits, always measured from North, and always measured clockwise. Once you know these three rules, bearings become straightforward.
Earn the mark scheme marks
Exam Tips
X Writing 45° instead of 045°
Always use 3 digits: 045°
This is a marking point - you'll lose marks for 2 digits
X Measuring anticlockwise
Always measure CLOCKWISE from North
Anticlockwise is wrong - bearings are always clockwise
X Forgetting to draw North at EACH point
Draw a North line at every point you measure from
Parallel North lines help you see alternate angles
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 19
A ship travels in the direction of North-East. Which of the following correctly writes this as a three-figure bearing?
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