physics

0=tan-1(ytot/xtot)=tan -1(22km/39km)

Sorry Jamie,
Your question does not make sense.

tan of what?
What is ytot and xtot?

I think tan -1() is supposed to mean arctan?

tan -1(22/39) = 0.009845765191

Ignore my previous answer.

arctan(22/39) = 29.42745640319

That sounds reasonable Bliu1, thanks.

I still don't know what Jamie was asking but since I am in a speculative mood, that is what I will do.

Okay so what Jamie may have wanted to know is:-

If John starts in town A and walks 22 km east then 39km north to get to town B
Then the true direction of town B from town A is approx 29degrees north of east.

This is not how compass directions are usually given.

Normally you'd say Town B is N61degreesE of Town A (since 90-29 = 61)

Or
the bearing of B from A is 061degrees.