Bearings are used to describe direction accurately, especially on maps and diagrams. A 3 figure bearing gives a precise direction measured clockwise from north.

 

 

What a 3 Figure Bearing Is

A bearing is an angle measured clockwise from north.

 

3 figure bearings are always written using three digits, even if the angle is less than 100 degrees.

 

This ensures clarity and avoids confusion.

 

Examples of bearings include:
045°, 090°, 180°, 275°

 

 

 

Understanding North and Direction

North is the fixed reference direction for all bearings.

 

On diagrams:
• north is usually shown by an arrow or at the top of the page
• bearings are measured clockwise from north

 

A full turn around a point is 360°.

 

 

Interpreting 3 Figure Bearings

To interpret a bearing, imagine standing at the starting point and facing north.

 

Then rotate clockwise through the given angle.

 

Example
A bearing of
\( 060^\circ \)

 

means turning 60 degrees clockwise from north.

 

A bearing of
\( 180^\circ \)

 

points directly south.

 

Key bearings to recognise include:
• east at 090°
• south at 180°
• west at 270°

 

The three digits must always be written, including leading zeros

 

 

Drawing 3 Figure Bearings

To draw a bearing accurately, use a ruler and protractor.

 

Steps to draw a bearing:

• draw a north line from the starting point
• place the centre of the protractor at the starting point
• align the zero line with the north direction
• measure the angle clockwise
• mark the direction
• draw a straight line through the mark

 

The line you draw shows the direction of the bearing.

 

Example
To draw a bearing of
\( 135^\circ \)

 

measure 135 degrees clockwise from north and draw the line.

 

 

Common Errors to Avoid

Common mistakes when working with bearings include:
• measuring anticlockwise instead of clockwise
• starting from east instead of north
• forgetting to write three digits
• using compass directions instead of degrees

 

Always check the direction and format carefully.

 

 

Interpreting Bearings in Context

Bearings are often used to describe movement between places.

 

For example:
• the bearing of a ship from a harbour
• the direction of travel between towns on a map

 

You may need to combine bearings with distance and scale to solve real life problems.

 

 

Key Points to Remember

3 figure bearings are measured clockwise from north.
They are always written using three digits.
North is the reference direction for all bearings.
A protractor is used to draw and measure bearings accurately.
Careful alignment prevents common errors.

 

Understanding and using 3 figure bearings allows directions to be described and drawn accurately in maps and real world situations.