This deep dive covers Method: Finding Back Bearings within Bearings for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Bearings in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 19 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 4 of 9 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Method: Finding Back Bearings
1If bearing is less than 180°, ADD 180° to get the back bearing
2If bearing is more than 180°, SUBTRACT 180° to get the back bearing
3Back bearing is the bearing FROM B back TO A
Practice questions for Bearings
A ship travels in the direction of North-East. Which of the following correctly writes this as a three-figure bearing?
Explain how to find the back bearing (return bearing) of any given bearing. Your answer should cover both cases.
Quick recall flashcards
Bearing of West
270° (three-quarters turn clockwise from North)
Bearing of East
090° (quarter turn clockwise from North)