Mathematics Project
Topic: Bearings
Name: [Your Name]
Centre: Mzilikazi High School
Candidate Number: [Your Candidate Number]
Year: 2025
Stage 1: Planning
1. Problem Identification
Many students at Mzilikazi High School struggle to apply bearings in real-life situations such as
navigation, mapping, and direction-finding. This project aims to explore bearings to help improve
understanding and usage in practical scenarios.
2. Statement of Intent
The aim of this project is to investigate the concept of bearings and apply it to solve real-world
problems involving direction and distances using mathematical methods.
3. Design Specification
- Compass directions and angles will be used.
- Scale drawings will be included.
- Protractors and rulers will be used for measurements.
- Real-life scenarios such as school locations, paths, and navigation routes will be modelled.
- Diagrams will be drawn to scale.
4. Objectives
- To define and explain bearings.
- To apply knowledge of bearings to solve problems.
- To use scale drawings and diagrams to represent directional movement.
- To understand how bearings are used in fields like geography, navigation, and aviation.
Stage 2: Research and Information Gathering
Definition of Bearings:
A bearing is a direction or path along a compass measured in degrees clockwise from the north.
Bearings are always written as three digits.
E.g., North is 000 degrees, East is 090 degrees, South is 180 degrees, and West is 270 degrees.
Types of Bearings:
- True Bearings: Measured clockwise from North.
- Compass Bearings: Given using directions (e.g., N30 degrees E).
Advantages:
- Used in maps and navigation systems.
- Helps in accurate direction measurement.
- Useful in air and sea travel.
Disadvantages:
- Errors can occur if instruments like compasses are not used properly.
- Requires understanding of angles and measurement.
- Can be confusing if not drawn accurately.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
Ideas considered:
- Plotting routes between places using bearings and distances.
- Creating a treasure hunt map based on bearings.
- Mapping out school buildings and paths using compass bearings.
Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea
Chosen Idea:
Mapping three locations around Mzilikazi High School using bearings and calculating distances
using scale drawings.
Materials:
- Ruler
- Compass
- Protractor
- Graph paper
- Pencil
Procedure:
- Select three locations (e.g., Classroom A, Library, and Main Gate).
- Measure the bearings from one location to the others.
- Use scale (1cm = 10m) to draw a triangle representing the locations.
- Calculate angles and distances using trigonometry and scale.
Stage 5: Presentation of Results
Scenario:
Three locations:
- Point A - Classroom Block
- Point B - Library
- Point C - Main Gate
Given:
- AB = 40 m at a bearing of 060 degrees.
- BC = 50 m at a bearing of 135 degrees.
- Find: CA distance and bearing.
Scale Used: 1 cm = 10 m
- AB = 4 cm
- BC = 5 cm
- CA = ?
Steps:
1. Draw AB: 4 cm at 060 degrees.
2. Draw BC: 5 cm at 135 degrees.
3. Measure CA: 6 cm = 60 m
Bearing from C to A = 310 degrees
Angle at B using cosine rule:
cos(B) = (AB^2 + BC^2 - AC^2) / (2 x AB x BC)
= (1600 + 2500 - 3600) / (2 x 40 x 50)
= 0.125 => angle B approx 82.8 degrees
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
Evaluation:
The project was successful in applying the concept of bearings practically. The use of diagrams
made understanding easier. Some difficulties were faced in drawing accurate angles without a good
protractor.
Recommendations:
- Teachers should encourage more practical lessons with compass and map use.
- Students should practise drawing and interpreting bearings.
- More real-life bearing challenges (e.g., school mapping competitions) should be introduced.
Summary Table:
From To Distance (m) Bearing
A B 40 060 degrees
B C 50 135 degrees
C A 60 310 degrees
