This key facts covers The Three Golden Rules 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 2 of 9 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The Three Golden Rules
| Rule | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Always 3 digits | Write 045° not 45° | 008°, 045°, 090°, 180°, 270° |
| 2. Measured FROM North | Draw North line at your starting point first | Always start at the vertical North line |
| 3. Measured CLOCKWISE | Go clockwise from North to your direction | East = 090° (quarter turn clockwise) |
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)