GCSE Maths Practice: bearings

Question 1 of 10

This question teaches how to find the reverse bearing.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{If the bearing from P to Q is 070°, what is the bearing from Q to P?}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Add 180° to original bearing to find reverse. Draw a diagram to visualise.

Reverse bearings indicate the direction from the destination back to the starting point. To calculate a reverse bearing, add 180° to the original bearing if it is less than 180°, or subtract 180° if greater. Here, the bearing from P to Q is 070°, so reverse bearing = 070° + 180° = 250°. Reverse bearings are essential in navigation, aviation, and surveying. Visualising bearings on a compass diagram helps students understand opposite directions. Mastery of reverse bearings ensures accuracy in multi-leg navigation problems and practical applications. Students should practice with different bearings, check results using a compass diagram, and verify calculations for consistency.