position · Year 7 · Suggested learning sequence
Three-figure bearings
A bearing gives a direction as an angle. Stand at the starting point, face north and turn clockwise until you face the other point: the amount you turn is the bearing. Bearings always have three figures, so 65° is written 065. East is 090, south 180 and west 270. The bearing of B from A starts at A. To go back the other way, turn half a turn: add or subtract 180°.
Sample questions
Write the bearing of B from A using three figures. The diagram is not drawn to scale.
- Bearings are measured clockwise from north, so the marked angle is the bearing.
- Bearings always have three figures, so put a zero in front of 71.
- The bearing is 071.
Answer: 071
Write the bearing of B from A using three figures. The diagram is not drawn to scale.
- Bearings are measured clockwise from north, so the marked angle is the bearing.
- Bearings always have three figures, so put a zero in front of 16.
- The bearing is 016.
Answer: 016
Write the bearing of B from A using three figures. The diagram is not drawn to scale.
- Bearings are measured clockwise from north, so the marked angle is the bearing.
- Bearings always have three figures, so put a zero in front of 87.
- The bearing is 087.
Answer: 087