IGCSE Bearing: Complete Guide for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE bearing is an essential trigonometry topic in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics that appears in both Paper 2 and Paper 4. Mastering three-figure bearings, finding bearings, and bearing calculations is essential for solving navigation and direction problems.

This comprehensive IGCSE bearing guide covers everything you need to know, including what bearings are, how to measure bearings, finding bearings between points, worked examples, common exam questions, and expert tips from Tutopiya’s IGCSE maths tutors. We’ll also show you how to avoid the most common mistakes that cost students valuable marks.

🎯 What you’ll learn: By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to measure and calculate bearings, find bearings between points, and apply these skills to solve problems in IGCSE exams.

Already studying with Tutopiya? Practice these skills with our dedicated IGCSE Trigonometry practice deck featuring exam-style questions and instant feedback.

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Why IGCSE Bearing Matters

IGCSE bearing is an essential trigonometry topic. Here’s why it’s so important:

• High frequency topic: Bearing questions appear regularly in IGCSE maths papers
• Foundation skill: Essential for navigation and direction problems
• Exam weight: Typically worth 4-7 marks per paper
• Real-world applications: Used in navigation, aviation, and surveying
• Problem-solving skills: Develops angle measurement and calculation abilities

Key insight from examiners: Students often forget that bearings are measured clockwise from North or make errors with angle calculations. This guide will help you master these systematically.

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Understanding Bearings

Bearing is the direction from one point to another, measured clockwise from North.

Three-figure bearings: Always written with 3 digits (e.g., 045°, 180°)

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Measuring Bearings

Steps:

1. Draw North line from starting point
2. Draw line to destination
3. Measure angle clockwise from North
4. Write as three-figure bearing

Example 1: Find bearing of B from A if B is directly East of A.

Solution: East is 90° clockwise from North Bearing = 090°

Answer: 090°

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Finding Bearings Between Points

Example 2: Point A is at (0, 0), Point B is at (3, 4). Find bearing of B from A.

Solution: Draw triangle: horizontal = 3, vertical = 4 Angle from North: tan(θ) = 3/4 θ = tan⁻¹(0.75) ≈ 36.87° Bearing = 037° (to nearest degree)

Answer: 037°

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Common Bearings

• North: 000° or 360°
• East: 090°
• South: 180°
• West: 270°
• Northeast: 045°
• Southeast: 135°
• Southwest: 225°
• Northwest: 315°

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Common Examiner Traps

• Direction errors - Bearings are always measured clockwise from North
• Three-figure format - Always write as 3 digits (e.g., 045° not 45°)
• Angle calculation errors - Use trigonometry correctly

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Practice Questions

Question 1

Find bearing of point that is directly Southeast.

Solution: Southeast is 135° clockwise from North Bearing = 135°

Answer: 135°

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Tutopiya Advantage: Personalised IGCSE Bearing Coaching

• Live whiteboard walkthroughs of bearing problems
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Frequently Asked Questions About IGCSE Bearing

What is a bearing?

A bearing is the direction from one point to another, measured clockwise from North.

Why are bearings three-figure?

Three-figure bearings (e.g., 045°) ensure clarity and avoid confusion (e.g., 45° vs 045°).

How do I measure a bearing?

Draw North line, then measure angle clockwise from North to the direction line.

What are the main compass bearings?

North (000°), East (090°), South (180°), West (270°).

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Related IGCSE Maths Resources

Strengthen your IGCSE Mathematics preparation with these comprehensive guides:

• IGCSE Right-Angled Trigonometry: Complete Guide - Master trigonometry
• IGCSE Distance, Midpoint and Gradient: Complete Guide - Master coordinate geometry
• IGCSE Maths Revision Notes, Syllabus and Preparation Tips - Complete syllabus overview, topic breakdown, and revision strategies
• IGCSE Past Papers Guide - Access free IGCSE past papers and exam resources

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Next Steps: Master IGCSE Bearing with Tutopiya

Ready to excel in IGCSE bearing? Our expert IGCSE maths tutors provide:

• Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring tailored to your learning pace
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Book a free IGCSE maths trial lesson and get personalized support to master bearing and achieve your target grade.

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