Multiple choice

How many times does a clock form a straight line in 24 hours?

  1. 22 times

  2. 44 times

  3. 48 times

  4. 11 times
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In 12 hours, the hour and minute hands form a straight line (0° or 180°) 22 times: at each hour (12 times) and when they overlap in the opposite direction during 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, 10-11, 11-12, 12-1, 1-2, 2-3 (10 more times). In 24 hours, this happens twice, so 22 × 2 = 44 times. Option A (22) is for 12 hours only, option C (48) incorrectly counts every 30 minutes, and option D (11) is the number of overlaps in 12 hours.

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