When comparing gyro heading to true heading and doing the math in this order:
Gyro G
[U]error E. (+ east. -west)[/U]
true. T
Bowditch paraphrased ; if the Gyro error is east the readings are too low and if it is West they are too high. Thus if Gyro error is 1° West, 1° is subtracted from all readings of the gyro compass to find the true heading or bearing.
Now with your true T heading or bearing you can move on to finding CE
when doing the math in this order from top down add west subtract east
If you do the math C D M V T starting with C at the top you add east and subtract west
T true
V. Variation. +w -e
M. Magnetic. From compass rose on chart
D. Deviation +w -e
C. Compass Looking at compass in wheelhouse
CE mag compass error equals sum of D and V 1e + 1w =0.
1 e + 4 w = 3 w. 5e + 1 w= 4 e
So much in the testing goes back to this knowledge. I would write it in the same order every time regardless as to what they are asking or supplying for info. Also I believe it is in the section of Bowditch that you will have on your desk on the exam room so know where to find it!
GET. Add east.
TVMDC add west