Education Technology

Can You Find Your Bearings?

Subject Area
Math: Geometry: Right Triangles and Trig
Math: IB: Analysis-Approaches
Math: IB: Applications-Interpretations
Math: Precalculus: Applications of Trigonometry
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire Version
5.4
Resource Types
Lessons
Exam Prep
Format
TNS

Can You Find Your Bearings?

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will review how to find bearings through given descriptions and reading diagrams. 

Objectives

  • Students will explore the definition of a bearing and how to represent it in a diagram given written details.
  • Students will be asked to use their knowledge of bearings to find distances and angles in several differing scenarios.
  • Students will try to make a connection with how to understand these topics in IB Mathematics courses and on their final assessments.

Vocabulary

  • Bearings
  • Supplementary Angles
  • Clockwise

About the Lesson

In mathematics, a bearing is the angle in degrees measured clockwise from the north. Bearings are usually given as a three-figure bearing. For example, 30° clockwise from the north is usually written as 030°. Bearings are commonly used when traveling by plane, boat, or just navigating a hike. 

*Note: This activity includes optional IB support, including the IB Questions download for students who are preparing for the IB Exam. 

Subject Area
Math: Geometry: Right Triangles and Trig
Math: IB: Analysis-Approaches
Math: IB: Applications-Interpretations
Math: Precalculus: Applications of Trigonometry
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire Version
5.4
Resource Types
Lessons
Exam Prep
Format
TNS
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