Multiple choice

At what time between 6 and 7 o'clock will the hands of the clock be at right angles for the second time?

  1. 6:05:27

  2. 6:49:05

  3. 6:21:49

  4. 6:54:32

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

At 6 o'clock, the hands are 30 minutes apart. For the second right angle, the minute hand must gain 45 minutes on the hour hand. Using the formula M = (2/11) * (30 * H +/- angle), for the second time, we use 6:00 + 45 minutes. M = (2/11) * (180 + 90) = 540/11 = 49 and 1/11 minutes. This corresponds to 6:49:05.

AI explanation

Using the formula for right angles, where the time in minutes is 5 times the hour plus or minus 15 multiplied by 12 divided by 11, we calculate the second instance after 6 o'clock. For the second time, we use the positive term, so the calculation is 5 times 6 plus 15, which equals 45. Multiplying 45 by 12 divided by 11 gives 540 divided by 11, which is 49 minutes and 5 seconds. Therefore, the hands will be at right angles for the second time at 6:49:05.