Measuring: Error Analysis & Misconceptions

Mathematics
GCSE Higher
15 questions
~30 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet focusing on measuring bearings, highlighting common errors and misconceptions, designed for GCSE Higher students.

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Measuring: Error Analysis & Misconceptions

Subject: MathematicsGrade: GCSE Higher
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE Higher
A

Fluency & Practice

Answer all questions. Show your working in the grid spaces provided.
1.
Calculate the bearing from point A to point B, given the coordinates A(2, 3) and B(5, 7).
[2 marks]
2.
Construct a bearing of 135° from the north line and draw it starting at the origin on the grid.
[3 marks]
3.
What is the error in measuring a bearing if the actual bearing is 060°, but a student records it as 065°?
[2 marks]
4.
A ship is sailing on a bearing of 220°. If the ship changes course to a bearing of 200°, what is the angle of deviation?
[2 marks]
B

Problem Solving & Reasoning

Answer all questions. Provide detailed explanations and show your working clearly.
1.
A cyclist starts at point A and travels on a bearing of 030° for 10 km, then changes course to a bearing of 150° for another 8 km. Using a scale drawing, determine the straight-line distance from the starting point A to the final position B. Explain the steps and possible sources of error in measuring the bearings.
[4 marks]
2.
A pilot measures a bearing of 355° when flying towards a lighthouse. The true bearing is 355°, but due to a miscalculation, the compass was off by 3°. What is the actual bearing, and how might this affect navigation?
[3 marks]
3.
Explain why measuring bearings with a protractor in the field can lead to inaccuracies. Propose methods to improve measurement accuracy.
[3 marks]
4.
Given two bearings from different points, how can you verify if the measurements are consistent? Describe the process and calculations involved.
[4 marks]
C

Real-world Applications

Answer all questions. Use the grid for plotting where required.
1.
A hiker measures a bearing of 045° from the base camp to the summit of a hill 5 km away. Later, the hiker finds the bearing from the summit back to the base camp to be 225°. Is this consistent? Explain your reasoning and identify any possible measurement errors.
[4 marks]
2.
A rescue team is navigating towards a stranded vessel. They measure a bearing of 120° from their current position. If their GPS indicates they are 12 km from the vessel, how should they plot their course, and what common measurement mistakes should they avoid?
[3 marks]
D

Challenge & Extension

Attempt these advanced questions. Show detailed working and reasoning.
1.
Construct a triangle on the grid with sides measuring 6 km, 8 km, and 10 km. Two of the sides are aligned with bearings of 045° and 135°. Identify the possible positions of the third vertex, considering measurement errors and misconceptions.
[4 marks]
2.
A navigator records multiple bearings from different observation points to a landmark. The measurements are inconsistent. Describe how to identify and correct systematic measurement errors in bearing readings.
[4 marks]
E

Mixed Review

Answer these varied questions to consolidate your understanding.
1.
Plot a line of bearing 270° starting from point C at (4,4). What are common pitfalls students face when plotting bearings, and how can they be avoided?
[3 marks]
2.
Calculate the bearing from point D(1, 2) to point E(7, 8). Show your working.
[3 marks]
3.
Identify the common mistake made when students interpret bearings as angles from the east instead of north and explain how to correct it.
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet