If TC is 179° and variation is 4°E, what is the magnetic course?
Answer
175°
Explanation
For east variation, subtract the variation when converting true course to magnetic course: $MC=TC-VAR=179^\circ-4^\circ=175^\circ$. This follows the standard mnemonic “east is least.” The result remains within the 000°–359° compass circle.\n\n**Key takeaway:** True to magnetic: subtract east variation, add west variation.\n\n**Glossary:** **MC**: magnetic course; **VAR**: magnetic variation.