Bearings

Bearings: how to approach them

Bearings describe direction using angles measured clockwise from North. Because of that fixed starting line, you should always picture a compass rose before doing anything else.

1) Set up the direction correctly

• Mark North as your reference line.
• Measure the angle clockwise from North.
• Write the bearing as three digits when needed, such as 045° or 120°.

2) Read the diagram carefully

If a question gives two points, identify the line of travel and the angle from the north line. If the angle is not measured directly from North, you may need to use geometry on the diagram, such as angles on a straight line or around a point, to find it.

3) Simplify the final answer

Give the bearing in its standard form. If an exact numerical answer is required, keep it exact and do not round unless told to.

4) Check your answer

A quick check is to ask:

• Is the angle measured clockwise from North?
• Is it between 000° and 360°?
• Does it match the direction shown on the diagram?

If your answer is outside that range or measured the wrong way, revise it.