Final answer:
The Mercator projection uses mathematical formulas to directly translate coordinates onto a map, suitable for navigation due to its consistent representation of compass bearings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The projection that uses mathematical formulas to directly translate coordinates onto a map is the B) Mercator projection. The Mercator projection involves a map projection of the world onto a cylinder where all the latitude lines have the same length as the equator. This projection was developed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator, a Belgian mapmaker, and it allows for the creation of a grid overlay of horizontal and vertical lines representing longitude and latitude on a flat surface. While it distorts the size and shape of landmasses as one moves away from the equator, it remains useful in navigation due to its ability to represent lines of constant compass bearing as straight segments that are consistent with the true compass direction.