Why does my child give 300° for a bearing of 060° the other way?
Your child measures a bearing the wrong way round, such as anticlockwise or from east instead of clockwise from north.
Why children do it
Angles in maths class are often measured anticlockwise, so bearings can get turned the wrong way. A bearing is always measured clockwise from north, with three figures: 060° is a little north of east. Going back the way you came is half a turn more: 060° + 180° = 240°.
How to help at home
Ask them to draw a north arrow and turn clockwise from it, like a clock's hands.
The right way
A ship sails from a port on a bearing of 60°. On what bearing must it sail to go straight back?
- 240Half a turn more: 060° + 180° = 240°.
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