Algebra and Trigonometry, 5th Edition

Bearing: First-Type

One method of giving direction, or bearing, involves reference to a north–south line using an acute angle. For example, $\mathrm{N}55°\mathrm{W}$ means $55°$ west of north and $\mathrm{S}67°\mathrm{E}$ means $67°$ east of south.

A second-type of bearing that gives directions in degrees from north is covered in Section 6.3.

Example 7 Distance to a Forest Fire.

A forest ranger at point A sights a fire directly south. A second ranger at point B, 7.5 mi east of the first ranger, sights the same fire at a bearing of $\mathrm{S}27°23\prime \mathrm{W}$. How far from A is the fire?

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