Geometry & MeasuresIntroduction

Navigation Maths

Part of Bearings · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This introduction covers Navigation Maths 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 1 of 9 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 9

Practice

19 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

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.

Bearings diagram showing North, compass directions, and three-figure bearing examples

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Bearings. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Three Golden Rules Key Compass Bearings Method: Finding Back Bearings

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?

A. 45°
B. NE45
C. 045°
D. 0045°

1 markfoundation

Explain how to find the back bearing (return bearing) of any given bearing. Your answer should cover both cases.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Bearing of East

090° (quarter turn clockwise from North)

Bearing of West

270° (three-quarters turn clockwise from North)

19 questions on Bearings — practise free

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Bearings

The Three Golden Rules