Bearings

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Bearings:

Table of Contents
1 Bronze ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Given Diagram.......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1.1 Measuring and Scale Diagrams........................................................................................................... 5
1.1.2 Using Parallel Line Rules ..................................................................................................................... 6
2 Silver................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Given Diagram.......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 Using SOHCAHTOA .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram .................................................................................................................... 8
3 Gold .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Given Diagram.......................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules ..................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule ................................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram .................................................................................................................. 11
4 Diamond........................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Drawing Your Own Diagram .................................................................................................................. 12
4.1.1 Using SOHCAHTOA ............................................................................................................................ 12
4.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule ............................................................................................................... 12
4.1.3 Using SOHCAHTOA and Sine and Cosine Rule Together .................................................................. 12

This is a long worksheet to cater for the students that want extra practice. If you want a shortcut, but still be sure to cover
one of each type then follow the pink highlighted questions.

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Basics

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Step By Step Detailed Method

This topic is about finding angles which come from a North line and go in a clockwise direction! If the questions tell you to measure then you can use a
protractor and you can skip step 2 below (this rarely comes up as it is too easy!) The question usually asks us to work out the angle, which means we cannot just
use our protractor and measure the angles and hence cannot step 2 below.
• Step 1: Draw in North lines at all the points if any points are missing a North line (often all the points have North lines are already drawn for you in the
diagram given, but if some or all are missing then draw them in).

Draw North
lines in

⟹
• Step 2: Fill in all the missing angles that you can by using:
o parallel line laws (the North lines are parallel lines). We have alternate interior (z angles) which are equal and same side angles which add
to 180°.
Recall parallel line laws:

Extend the
North lines
(downwards)
first to help

⟹
o The fact that isosceles triangles have equal base angles (only use this is told the triangle is isosceles which you sometimes are)
o The fact that straight line angles add to 180°, angles in a triangle add to 180° and angles at a point add to 360°

We can find all

the following
angles Note: We didn’t need to

⟹
extend the North lines as
we could find all angles
without doing so

• Step 3: Locate the point where the question says ‘from’ and the point where it says ‘of’ (the question will always give a FROM point and an OF point).
We always start at the North line of the point it says ‘from’ and go in a clockwise direction until you hit the line that would lead (if we walked along
that line) us to the point where the question says ‘of’. This is the angle we want. Let’s look at 2 examples:
Example 1: find the bearing of C from A Example 2: find the bearing of A from B

Firstly, we locate our ‘from’; and ‘of’ points. Our ‘from’ point is A Firstly, we locate our ‘from’ and ‘of’ points. Our ‘from’ point is B and our
and our ‘of’ point is C. This means we start at the North line of A ‘of’ point is A. This means we start at the North line of B (since from B)
(since from A) and go clockwise until the line that would leads us to and go clockwise until the line that would leads us to A if we walked
C if we walked along the line (since of C). along the line (since of A).

This
This means
means

⟹ ⟹

The turquoise angle is the bearing (angle) we want The turquoise angle is the bearing (angle) we want

• Step 4: Read off your answer. Always give your answers to 3 significant figures e.g. 40° = 040°
Harder Types of Questions:
You’ll not always be given enough information (meaning that using parallel line laws is not enough to find all angles). You’ll need to use your trig knowledge of
SOHCAHTOA/Sine or Cosine Rule to find the angles (obviously you’ll need to have covered these topics first). You will often have draw your own triangle if the

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question is given in words without a diagram. We first draw the angle(s) given (remembering to start at a North line and go clockwise) with the correct
distance(s) given and then form the triangle. See the silver section onwards for these types of questions.

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1 Bronze

1.1 Given Diagram

1.1.1 Measuring and Scale Diagrams

1) The diagram shows the positions of two telephone masts, A and B, on a map

i. Measure the bearing of B from A

Another mast C is on a bearing on 160° from B
On the map, C is 4 cm from B
ii. Mark the position of C with a cross (×) and label it C

2) The diagram shows an accurate scale drawing of part of the boundary of a field. The complete boundary
AB = 300 metres.
BC = 230 metres.
Point B is due north of point C.
The scale of the diagram is 1 cm to 50 metres. The bearing of D from C is 260°
AD = 480 metres.
Complete the scale drawing of the boundary of the field.
Mark the position of D

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1.1.2 Calculations
3) The diagram shows the positions of three points A, B, C, on a map. The bearing of B from A is 070°. Angle ABC is
50°. AB=CB.

Work out the bearing of C from A.

1.1.3 Using Parallel Line Rules

4) Martin and Janet are in an orienteering race. Martin runs from checkpoint A to checkpoint B, on a bearing of
065°. Janet is going to run from checkpoint B to checkpoint A. Work out the bearing of A from B.

5) The bearing of B from A is 062°

C is due South of AB=CB

i. Find the size of angle 𝑥
ii. Give a reason for your answer
iii. Work out the bearing of C from A

6) The diagram shows three towns, A, B and C

Angle ACB=116°. CA=CB

Work out the bearing of
i. B from A
ii. B from C
iii. A from C

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2 Silver

2.1 Given Diagram

2.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules

7) The diagram shows the positions of a yacht Y, a ship S and a Beacon B. The bearing of B from Y is 228°
North

Diagram NOT
accurately drawn

S
B
i. Find the bearing of Y from B
The bearing of S from Y is 118°
ii. Find the size of angle BYS
iii. Given also that BY=SY, find the bearing of S from B

2.1.2 Using SOHCAHTOA

8) Town B is 35 km east and 80 km north of town A. Work out the bearing of A from B.

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2.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram

9) A plane flies 250 km on a bearing of 050°

i. How far North is it from its original position
ii. How far East is it from its original position

10) A helicopter leaves its base and flies 23 km on a bearing of 285°. How far west is it from its base?

11) A ship at A is 3.8 km due North of a lighthouse. A ship at B is 2.7 km due east of a same lighthouse
What is the bearing of the ship at B from the ship at A?

12) A helicopter has flown from its base on a bearing of 153°. Its distance east of base is 19 km. How far has the
helicopter flown?

13) A fishing boat leaves port and sails on a straight course. After 2 hours its distance South of port is 24 km and its
distance east of port is 7 km. On what bearing did it sail?

14) Jayne sails 1.5 km on a bearing of 050°. She then changes course and sails 2 km on a bearing on 140°. On what
bearing must she sail to return to her starting position?

15) A yacht sails 15 km on a bearing of 053°, then 7 km on a bearing of 112°. How far North is the yacht from its
starting position.

16) A plane flies 307 km on a bearing of 234°, then 23 km on a bearing of 286°. How far South is the plane from its
starting position?

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3 Gold

3.1 Given Diagram

3.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules

17) The diagram shows the position of three airports, Heathrow, Manchester and Liverpool.

i. If Heathrow’s bearing from Manchester is 160°, what is Manchester’s bearing from Heathrow?
ii. If Liverpool’s bearing from Manchester is 244°, what is Heathrow’s bearing from Liverpool.

3.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule

18) The diagram shows the position of two ships, A and B, and a lighthouse L

North

A
5 km

L
Diagram NOT
accurately drawn
3 km

Ship A is 5 km from L on a bearing of 70° from L

Ship A is 3 km from L on a bearing of 210° from L
Calculate the distance between ship A and ship B
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures

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19) P and Q are two points on a coast

N S
2.9 km
62˚
P

Diagram NOT
accurately drawn
36˚

P is due North of Q
A ship is at the point S
PS=2.9km
The bearing of the ship from P is 062°
The bearing of the ship from Q is 036°
Calculate the distance QS
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures

20) The diagram shows the position of three towns Acton (A), Barston (B) and Chorlten (C)
N

N
B 150˚ N
8 km
37˚
9 km

C
Barston is 8 km from Acton on a bearing of 037°. Chorlten is 9 km from Barston on a bearing of 150°. Find the
bearing of Chorlten form Acton to the nearest whole number.

21) A plane flies from Auckland (A) to Gisborne (G) on a bearing of 115°. The plane then flies on to Wellington (W) on
a bearing of 232°.

i. Calculate the bearing of Wellington from Gisborne

The distance from Wellington to Gisborne is 400 kilometres
The distance from Auckland to Wellington is 410 kilometres
ii. Calculate the bearing of Wellington from Auckland

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22) The diagram shows the position of three boats, P, Q and R. Boat Q is 7 km from boat P on a bearing of 327°.
Boat R is 15 km from boat P on a bearing of 041°.

i. Find the distance between boats Q and R to 1 decimal place.

ii. Find the 3-figure bearing of boat R from boat Q.

3.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram

23) Chris ran 4 km on a bearing on 036° from P to Q. He ran in a straight line from Q to R, where R is 7 km due east
of P. Chris then ran in a straight line from R to P. Calculate the total distance that Chris ran.

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4 Diamond

4.1 Drawing Your Own Diagram

4.1.1 Using SOHCAHTOA

24) An aeroplane sets off from G on a bearing of 024° towards H, a point 250 km away. At H, it changes course and
heads towards J on a bearing of 055° and a distance of 180 km away.
i. How far is H to the north of G
ii. How far is H to the east of G
iii. How far is J to the north of H
iv. How far is J to the east of H?
v. What is the shortest distance between G and J?
vi. What is the bearing of G from J?

4.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule

25) A helicopter flies on a bearing of 200° from A to B where AB=70 km. It then flies on a bearing of 150° from B to
C, where C is due South of A. Work out the distance from C to A

26) Two radar stations A and B are 16 km apart and A is due North of B. A ship is known to be on a bearing of 150°
from A and 10 km from B. Show that this information gives two positions for the ship, and calculate the distance
between these 2 positions

27) A ship P sails from point A at noon in a direction of 35 degrees East of North, at 20 knots. One hour later, a
second ship Q, sails from A in a direction 80 degrees East of North. At 3 PM, P is due North of Q.
i. Calculate the speed of Q
ii. The ship P remains at that position, while Q sails on the same speed and in the same direction for
one hour. What is the bearing of Q from P at the end of the hour?
4.1.3 Using SOHCAHTOA and Sine and Cosine Rule Together
28) A ship and a helicopter depart from the same place. The ship sailed for 4 km on a bearing on 038°.
i. How far east has it travelled?
The ship is 4 km from the coast and sees a lighthouse. The angle of elevation from the ship to the lighthouse is
12°
ii. How far above sea level is the lighthouse?
Meanwhile, the helicopter flies 7 km on a bearing of 139°
iii. How far away is the helicopter from the ship?

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29) A, B and C are 3 villages

B is 6.4 due East of A
C is 3.8 km on a bearing of 210° from A
Calculate the bearing of B from C
Give your answer to the nearest degree

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Bearings Solutions:

Table of Contents
1 Bronze ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Given Diagram.......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1.1 Measuring and Scale Diagrams........................................................................................................... 2
1.1.2 Using parallel line rules ....................................................................................................................... 4
2 Silver................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Given Diagram.......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 Using SOHCAHTOA .............................................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram .................................................................................................................... 9
3 Gold .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.1 Given Diagram........................................................................................................................................ 14
3.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules ................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule ............................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram .................................................................................................................. 18
4 Diamond........................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.1 Drawing Your Own Diagram .................................................................................................................. 19
4.1.1 Using SOHCAHTOA ............................................................................................................................ 19
4.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule ............................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Using SOHCAHTOA and Sine and Cosine Rule Together ....................................................................... 23

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1 Bronze

1.1 Given Diagram

1.1.1 Measuring and Scale Diagrams

1)
This is considered an easy bearings question since the question wants us to measure the angles. We
can use our protractor and ruler. We don’t have to use parallel line laws to work out the angles or
trig knowledge such as SOHCAHTOA or sine/cosine rules to work out the angles (or side lengths).
i. ii.
of C from B:
“from” is where we start (B) and “of” is where we end
(C)
• “from”: We always start at the North line of the
correct point (in our case B) and we always go in a
clockwise direction
• “to”: we stop once we reach the line that leads us to
this point (in our case C)

of B from A: So, we start at the North Line of B and draw 160°

“from” is where we start (A) and “of” is where we clockwise which will give us the angle of the line for C.
end (B)
• “from”: We always start at the North line of the We are told that the line is 4 cm long which we measure
correct point (in our case A) and we always go in with a ruler starting from point C.
a clockwise direction
• “to”: we stop once we reach the line that leads us
to this point (in our case B)

So, we start at the North Line of A and go in a

clockwise direction until we reach the line that
leads us to B.

This is the blue angle indicated in the diagram

Note: The line above might not be 4 cm due to the
above
shrinking of the diagram to fit this box, but yours
Measuring this with a protractor (since we are should be 4 cm in length!
allowed in this question) gives 80°

Important: We always need to give our answer with

3 digits (to 3 significant figures)

080°

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2)
This is also also considered an easy bearings question since we are given an accurate scale drawing. We can use
our protractor and ruler. We don’t have to use parallel line laws to work out the angles or trig knowledge such
as SOHCAHTOA or sine/cosine rules to work out the angles (or side lengths).

The bearing of D from C is 260°:

“from” is where we start (C) and “of” is where we end (D)
• “from”: We always start at the North line of the correct point (in our case C) and we always go in a clockwise
direction
• “to”: we stop once we reach the line that leads us to this point (in our case D)

So, we start at the North line and draw an angle of 260° going clockwise

!"#
AD = 480 metres. The scale of the diagram is 1 cm to 50 metres, hence 480 m= = 9.6 cm
$#

Draw a line of length 9.6 and see where it intersects the purple line

Let’s simplify this diagram now without all the colours

Note: The line above might not be 9.6 cm due to the shrinking of the diagram to fit this box, but yours should
be!

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3)
Here we have to work out the angle, so we cannot measure it like in the questions above which tell us to
measure or give us an accurate scale drawing!

All the North lines are displayed at every point already, so we don’t need to draw them in.

First let’s work out any missing angles that we can. We have an isosceles triangle which can help us find the
base angles of the triangle.
ABC is an isosceles triangle whose internal angles add up to 180° therefore,
%"#&$#
Angle BAC= ' = 65°
We are told the bearing of B from A is 070°. This is the orange angle above. Why?
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end.
So, we start at A (since says FROM A)
We go in a clockwise direction from the North line of where we start until where we end
Hence, we go clockwise from the North line of A until we hit the line that leads us to B (since says TO B).
This is the orange angle.

We want the bearing of C from A. This means start at the North line of A (since from A) and end at the line
which leads us to c (since to C) making sure to go in a clockwise direction.
70 + 65 = 135°

1.1.2 Using Parallel Line Rules

4)
All the North lines are displayed at every point already, so we don’t need to draw them in.

First let’s work out the missing angles. To do this we use parallel line laws (the 2 North lines are the parallel
lines and this is the key to working out angles with bearing questions along with SOHCAHTOA and sine/cosine
rule which you will see later on in this sheet).

Same side interior angles add to 180° (C-angles)

𝑥 = 180 − 65 = 115°
Angles at a point add to 360°
𝑦 = 360 − 115 = 245°

This question asks for the bearing of A from B. This is the purple angle above. Why?
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end.
So, we start at B (since says FROM B)
We go in a clockwise direction from the North line of where we start until where we end.
Hence, we go clockwise from the North line of B until we hit the line that leads us to A (since says TO A).
This is the purple angle
245°

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5)
All the North lines are displayed at every point already, so we don’t need to draw them in.

i. 𝑥 = 062° (explanation is given in part ii.) ii. The North lines are parallel lines.
Alternate angles (Z-angles) are equal
iii.
ABC is an isosceles triangle whose internal angles add
up to 180° therefore,
%"#&('
BCA= ' = 59°

Bearing of C from A
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end. We
go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of A. So,
we start at A and go until we hit the line that leads us to
C.
This is the green angle

59 + 62 = 121°

6)
All the North lines are displayed at every point already, so we don’t need to draw them in.

We are given that angle 𝐴𝐶𝐵 = 116°

Let’s first work out as many angles as we can before we work out the bearings

𝑥 = 180 − 38 = 142° (since same-side angles add to 180°)

%"#&%%( (!
𝑧= = = 32° (since base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal)
' '

𝑦 = 360 − 142 − 116 = 102° (angles at a point add to 360°)

i. of B from A
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
Hence, we start at A and go until we hit the line that leads us to B
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of A
This is the red angle
38 + 32 = 70°

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ii. of B from C
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
Hence, we start at C and go until we hit the line that leads us to B
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of C
This is the purple angle102°

iii. of A from C
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
So, we start at C and go until we hit the line that leads us to A
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of C
This is the orange angle
102 + 116 = 218°

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2 Silver

2.1 Given Diagram

2.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules

7)
i.

Not all the North Lines are drawn in here. We only need the North line at B to answer this question so let’s
draw it in

Let’s work out as many angles as we can before we work out the bearings.

Straight lines angles add to 180°

We are given that the bearing of B from Y is 228°

228 − 180 = 48°

048° (since the North lines are parallel lines and alternate interior angles are equal)
ii.
We are given that the bearing of S from Y is 118

228 − 118 = 110°

iii.

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Let’s concentrate on the blue triangle (we found the angle BYS from part ii. above)

BY=SY therefore, BYS is an isosceles triangle whose internal angles add up to 180° therefore,

180 − 110
= 35°
2

of S from B “from” is where we start and “of” is where we end. We go in a clockwise direction from the
North Line of where we start (B). So, we start at B and go until we hit the line that leads us to S.

48 + 35 = 083°

2.1.2 Using SOHCAHTOA

8)
This question relies on knowledge of another trigonometry topic – SOHCAHTOA. If you are not familiar or
comfortable with this topic, see my worksheet ‘SOHCAHTOA’ first.

All the North lines are displayed at every point already, so we don’t need to draw them in.

We want the bearing of A from B “from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
So, we start at B and go until we hit the line that leads us to A
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of B
This means we want the red angle below

We need angle 𝑥 before we even worry about tacking the bearings part.

𝑜𝑝𝑝 35
tan 𝑥 = =
𝑎𝑑𝑗 80

)$
𝑥 = tan&% @"#A = 23.6°

Now let’s find the bearing.

This is the red angle below

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Straight line angles add to 180°

Bearing = 180 + 23.6 = 204°

2.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram

9)

Way 1: Way 2:

𝑥
90 − 50 = 40° sin 50 =
250
𝑥 = 250 sin 50
𝑦
sin 40 = 𝑥 = 192 km
250
𝑦 = 250 sin 40 𝑦
𝑦 = 161 km cos 50 =
250
𝑦 = 250 cos 450
𝑥
cos 40 = 𝑦 = 161 km
250
𝑥 = 250 cos 40
𝑥 = 192 km

10)

Way 1: Way 2:

285 − 270 = 15° 𝑥

sin 75 =
23
𝑥 𝑥 = 23 sin 15
cos 15 = 𝑥 = 22.2 km
23
𝑥 = 23 cos 15
𝑥 = 22.2 km

11)

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Consider the pink triangle

2.7
tan 𝑥 =
3.8
𝑥 = 35.3947 …
Hence,
𝑦 = 180 − 35.3947 …
𝑦 = 144.605 …
𝑦 = 145°

12)

153 − 90 = 63°
Consider the right-angled triangle
19
cos 63 =
𝑥
19
𝑥=
cos 63
𝑥 = 41.851 …
𝑥 = 41.9km

13)

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7
tan 𝑥 =
24
𝑥 = 16.2602 …
Hence,
𝑦 = 180 − 16.2602 …
𝑦 = 163.739 …
𝑦 = 164°

14)

Same side interior angles add to 180° (C-angles)

180 − 50 = 130°
180 − 140 = 40°
Angles at a point add to 360°
360 − 130 − 140 = 90°
Now consider the right-angled triangle

1.5
tan 𝑥 =
2
𝑥 = 36.8698 …
𝑥 = 36.9
Angles at a point add to 360°. Hence,
360 − 36.9 − 40 = 283°

15)

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180 − 112 = 68
Consider the triangle on the left

𝑥
cos 53 =
15
𝑥 = 15 cos 53
𝑥 = 9.027227
Now consider the smaller triangle

𝑦
cos 68 =
7
𝑦 = 7 cos 68
𝑦 = 2.622246

Now consider the North components as vectors and add them up to find how far North the yacht is from its
origin. If North is positive then South is negative.
9.027 − 2.622 = 6.40 km

16)

234 − 180 = 54°

286 − 270 = 16°

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Now consider the right-angled triangles

𝑥
sin 16 =
23
𝑥 = 23 sin 16

𝑦
cos 54 =
307
𝑦 = 307 cos 54

Now consider the South components as vectors and add them up to find how far South the plane is from its
origin. If South is positive then North is negative.
307 cos 54 − 23 sin 16 = 174 km

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3 Gold

3.1 Given Diagram

3.1.1 Using Parallel Line Rules

17)
Way 1:
We are given the light green angle 160° in part i. and the dark green angle 244° in part ii. so can label both of these in
the diagram below (but only use the dark green angle 244 for part ii.)

• 180 − 160 = 20 (angles on a straight line)

• 180 − 160 = 20 (same side angles with parallel lines or we can use alternate interior angles with
light link angle)
• 360−20 = 340 (angles at a point add to 360)

We are asked for of Manchester from Heathrow

“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of Heathrow
So, we start at Heathrow and go until we hit the line that leads us to Manchester
This is the light blue angle= 340°

ii.
• 244 − 180 = 64
• 360−244 = 116 (angles at a point add to 360)
• 64 (alternate interior angles with red angle)
• 60 (given)
• 180−64 − 60 = 56
of Heathrow from Liverpool
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of Liverpool
So, we start at Liverpool and go until we hit the line that leads us to Heathrow
This is the dark blue plus the orange angle
64 + 60 = 124°

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Way 2:

We are given the blue angle in part i. and the orange angle in part ii. so can label both of these in the diagram below
(but only use the dark green angle 244 for part ii.)

We can extend the line at Heathrow and use parallel line law to know that the dark blue angle is 160° (corresponding
angles).

i.
of Manchester from Heathrow
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of Heathrow
So, we start at Heathrow and go until we hit the line that leads us to Manchester
This is the red angle
160 + 180 = 340°

ii.
of Heathrow from Liverpool
“from” is where we start and “of” is where we end
We go in a clockwise direction from the North Line of Liverpool
So, we start at Liverpool and go until we hit the line that leads us to Heathrow
This is the green plus the pink angle

But first we need to find 𝑦 through 𝑥

𝑥 = 360 − 244 = 116°

Same side interior angles add to 180° (C-angles)

Therefore,
𝑦 = 180 − 116 = 64°
Hence Heathrow from Liverpool;
60 + 64 = 124°

3.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule

18)
This question relies on knowledge of another trigonometry topic – Sine and Cosline Rule. If you are not
familiar or comfortable with this topic, see my worksheet ‘Sine and Cosine Rule’ first.

210 − 70 = 140°

Now we can calculate the distance between A and B using the cos rule.
𝑎' = 𝑏' + 𝑐 ' − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴

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𝑎' = 3' + 5' − 2(3)(5) cos 140
𝑎' = 56.981 …
𝑎 = 7.5485 …
𝑎 = 7.55 𝑘𝑚

19)

Angles on a straight line add to 180°

180 − 62 = 118°
Now use the sin rule
2.9 𝑥
=
sin 36 sin 118

2.9 sin 118

𝑥=
sin 36
𝑥 = 4.36 km (3sf)

20)

Same side interior angles add to 180° (C-angles)

Therefore,
180 − 37 = 143°
Angles at a point add up to 360°
360 − 150 − 143 = 67°
Now we can calculate 𝑥 using the cos rule.
𝑎' = 𝑏' + 𝑐 ' − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴
𝑥 = 8' + 9' − 2(8)(9) cos 67
'

𝑥 ' = 88.734 …
𝑥 = 9.4199 …

Now use the sin rule to find 𝑦

9.4199 9
=
sin 67 sin 𝑦
9 sin 67
sin 𝑦 =
9.4199
9 sin 67
𝑦 = sin&% L M
9.4199
𝑦 = 61.5786 …
𝑦 = 61.6
Therefore, the bearing of Chorlten from Acton
037 + 061.6 = 099°

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21)

i.
Same side interior angles add to 180° (C-angles)
Therefore,
180 − 115 = 65°
Angles at a point add up to 360°. Hence,
360 − 232 − 65 = 63°
ii.
Use the sin rule to find 𝑥
400 410
=
sin 𝑥 sin 63

400 sin 63
sin 𝑥 =
410
400 sin 63
𝑥 = sin&% L M
410
𝑥 = 60.3744 …
𝑥 = 60.4
Hence,
115 + 60.4 = 175°

22)

i.
Angles at a point add to 360°
𝑦 = 360 − 327 = 33°
Therefore, angle QPR,
33 + 41 = 74°

Now we use the cos rule to calculate the distance between Q and R
𝑎' = 𝑏' + 𝑐 ' − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴
𝑄𝑅 = 7' + 15' − 2(7)(15) cos 74
'

𝑄𝑅' = 216.116 …
𝑄𝑅 = 14.700 …
𝑄𝑅 = 14.7km
ii.
15 14.7
=
sin 𝑥 sin 74

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15 sin 74
sin 𝑥 =
14.7

15 sin 74
𝑥 = sin&% L M
14.7
𝑥 = 78.777 = 78.8°

Considering the small triangle (internal angles of a triangle add to 180°)

𝑎 = 180 − 78.8 − 33 = 68.2°
Alternate angles (z angles) are equal, therefore, the bearing of boat R from boat Q
𝑧 = 068°

3.2 Drawing Your Own Diagram

23)

Same side interior angles add to 180° (C-angles)

180 − 36 = 144°

The north line is perpendicular to P therefore,

90 − 36 = 54°

Now we use the cos rule to find 𝑥

𝑥 ' = 4' + 7' − 2(4)(7) cos 54
𝑥 ' = 32.084 …
𝑥 = 5.6642 …
𝑥 = 5.66
Therefore, the total distance
4 + 7 + 5.66 = 16.66
= 16.7 km

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4 Diamond

4.1 Drawing Your Own Diagram

4.1.1 Using SOHCAHTOA
24)

i. ii. iii. iv.

+
* sin 55 = %"#
cos 55 = %"#
*
sin 66 = '$# 𝑦 = 103.2 𝑘𝑚 𝑦 = 147.4 𝑘𝑚
+
𝑦 = 228.4 𝑘𝑚 cos 66 = '$#
𝑦 = 101.7 𝑘𝑚
Or we can look at the
pink triangle

*
cos 24 = '$#
𝑦 = 228.4 𝑘𝑚

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v. 𝑧 ' = 331.6' + 249.1'
𝑧 =415 km
'!,.%
vi. tan 𝑐 = ))%.(
𝑐 = 36.9°
180 + 36.9 = 219.6 = 217°

4.1.2 Using Sine and Cosine Rule

25)
The initial bearings at A and B are shown in pink on the diagram below

sin 30 sin 130

=
70 𝑥
𝑥 × sin 30 = 70 × sin 130
70 × sin 130
𝑥=
sin 30
𝑥 = 107.246 …
𝑥 = 107 𝑘𝑚

26)

Since due
south A 150˚

30˚
N

16
Ship(C)
N 10

N
B
10 x
Ship(D)

Note: Ship can be either North or South of point B since we don’t know the distance from A to the ship. This also
shows the ambiguity in the sine rule.

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Hence there are 2 possible positions for ship (C or D)
Lengths must be the same from B though since ship is a fixed distance from B hence 1 isosceles triangle.

Looking at triangle ABD

sin 𝑥 sin 30
=
16 10
%( ./0 )#
sin 𝑥 = %#
= 53.1° or 180 − 53.1 = 126.87° due to ambiguous case of the sine rule
So, we now have

Now let’s look at triangle BCD

𝑦 10
=
sin 73.8 sin 53.1

10 sin 73.8
𝑦= = 12.0
sin 53.1
Therefore, ships are 12km apart.

27)

i.
We can draw this a seen below since P is due North of Q. Let’s also work out all the angles that we can.

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P
P 145˚
35˚ 58.25˚

100˚ 60
Q
80˚ Q
45˚ 80˚ 45˚
35˚
10˚
35˚ 34.945
A A
P goes for 3 hours
Q goes for 2 hours
Speed = 20
𝐷 =𝑆×𝑇
So,
𝐷 = 20 × 3 = 60 for P

sin 100 sin 35

=
60 𝑥
So
𝑥 = 34.945
Now we want the speed for Q
1 )!.,!$
𝑆=2= '
= 17.5 knots

ii.

Consider

Note: Q travels for 3 hours now. We know that QR=17.473 (same distance since same direction and only 1 hour so we
divide by 2)

We need Angle APR

Using the cos rule

𝑦 ' = 60' + 52.418' − 2(60)(52.418) cos 45
𝑦 = 43.587
Now use the sin rule
52.418 43.587
=
sin 𝑥 sin 45
52.418 sin 45
sin 𝑥 =
43.587
𝑥 = 58.25°

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Now consider

Angles at a point add to 360°

360 − 145 − 58.25 = 157°

4.2 Using SOHCAHTOA and Sine and Cosine Rule Together

28)
i.

Looking at the triangle

𝑥
sin 38 =
4
𝑥 = 4 sin 38 = 2.46 km

ii.

𝑥
tan 12 =
4
𝑥 = 4 tan 12 = 0.850 km = 850m
iii.

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Looking at the following triangle:

139 − 30 = 101°

Not a right-angled triangle so can’t use SOHCAHTOA

Use cos rule instead
𝑥 ' = 4' + 7' − 2(4)(7) cos 101
𝑥 ' = 75.685 …
𝑥 = 8.70 𝑘𝑚

29)

Way 1: using cosine Rule Way 2: using SOHCAHTOA

Consider the right-angled triangles

𝑥 ! = 3.8! + 6.4" − 2(3.8)(6.4) cos 120
𝑥 ! = 79.72
𝑥 = 8.92861

sin 𝐶 sin 120

=7 8
6.4 8.92861

sin 120
sin 𝐶 = 6.4 7 8
8.92861
𝐶 = sin#$ (0.62076)
𝐶 = 38.37197
𝑥
sin 30 =
3.8
Angles at a point add to 360° 𝑥 = 3.8 sin 30
360 − 210 = 150° 𝑥 = 1.9

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Same side interior angles add to 180° (C angles) 𝑦
cos 30 =
180 − 150 = 30° 3.8
𝑦 = 3.8 cos 30
30 + 38.37197 = 68.37 = 068° 𝑦 = 3.29

8.3
tan 𝑧 =
3.29
8.3
𝑧 = tan#$ 7 8 = 68.4
3.29
Therefore, the bearing
= 068°

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