Bearings
A bearing gives a direction as an angle measured clockwise from north, written with three figures.
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Play with the controls to see the idea in action.
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A bearing gives a direction as an angle measured clockwise from north, written with three figures.
- Always measure clockwise from north
- Write bearings as three digits like 045
- The back bearing differs by 180 degrees
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Bearings?
Within Mathematics, which covers numbers, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and statistics from first principles to exam level, this topic explains Bearings. Maths builds step by step, so each topic here gives you a rule, a picture and a quick check you can use on homework and in exams.
Check that you can explain Bearings in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Bearings gives you a reliable method you will reuse in later maths units, in science lessons and in data work.
Bearings in detail
A bearing gives a direction as an angle measured clockwise from north, written with three digits, such as 045° for north-east or 270° for west. Always measure from a north line at the starting point, and turn clockwise.
To find the return bearing, use the fact that angles on a straight line and parallel north lines give co-interior angles that add to 180°, so the back bearing differs by 180°. Bearings combine with scale drawing, trigonometry and Pythagoras to solve navigation problems for ships, aircraft and hikers.
How the interactive helps you understand Bearings
Watch the globe in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the globe responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Bearings.
Real-life uses and examples
- Use Bearings when comparing prices, discounts or recipe quantities in everyday life.
- Explain Bearings to a friend with a simple picture, such as a row of tiles or a bag of sweets.
- Spot Bearings in exam questions, where it often sits inside a short word problem.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting units, signs or brackets when you apply Bearings.
- Memorising the steps for Bearings without checking why they work.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Bearings
What is Bearings?
A bearing gives a direction as an angle measured clockwise from north, written with three figures.
What are the most important points about Bearings?
The main points are: Always measure clockwise from north; Write bearings as three digits like 045; The back bearing differs by 180 degrees.
Why is Bearings useful?
Understanding Bearings gives you a reliable method you will reuse in later maths units, in science lessons and in data work.
How can I practise Bearings?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Bearings?
Related topics in Mathematics include Surface Area, Transformations: Translation and Reflection, Constructions and Loci.