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 IBDP Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL   (https://intercom.help/kognity) 

3.3
 Applications of trigonometry

Bearings

Bearings
Compass directions
There are four main compass directions: north, south, east and west. The north–south line is perpendicular to the west–east line. The direc

Compass angles are always measured clockwise from north and they are written as 3-digit bearings. For example, north–east is 045 and ∘

 Definition
A bearing is the angle between the north line and the direction of a movement from the centre of the compass, measured in a clockwise dire

On the compass shown below you can see a bearing of 074 . ∘

Example 1
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A ship leaves a port and travels 40 km on a bearing of 040 . ∘

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After changing direction, it continues to travel another 70 km on a bearing of 120 . ∘



How far is the ship from the port?

» Hide solution

40 + β = 180
∘
β = 140

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θ + 140 + 120 = 360
 IBDP Mathematics:∘ Applications and interpretation SL
θ = 100
 




2 2 2
x = 40 + 70 − 2 × 40 × 70 × cos 100

x = 86.44... = 86.4 km (3 significant figures)

Example 2

A ship sailing around an island, travels 30 km on a bearing of 100 to reach point B, as shown in the diagram below.
∘

From B, the ship changes direction and travels 23 km to point C.

a) If angle ABC = 79 , find the bearing of C from B.

∘

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b) Find the distance AC.

 IBDP Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL   (https://intercom.help/kognity) 




» Hide solution

a) Angles A and θ are co-interior angles; therefore θ = 180 ∘

− 100
∘
= 80
∘
.

Angles around point B add up to 360 . ∘

Therefore, the bearing of C from B is 360 ∘ ∘

− 80
∘
− 79 = 201
∘
.

                 Angles θ and A are co-interior angles      Angles around point B add up to 360   ∘

b) In triangle ABC, two sides and the included angle are given and you are asked to find the third side. So you can use the cosine rule to f

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


2 2 2 ∘
x = 30 + 23 − 2 × 30 × 23 × cos 79 = 1165.68 …

x = 34.142... = 34.1 km (3 significant figures)

Section questions


Complete this section with 2
questions

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