Multiple choice

It is between 3 pm and 4 pm and the distance between the hour hand and the minute hand of clock is 18 minutes spaces. What time does the clock show ?

  1. 3 : 12 pm

  2. 3 : 27 pm

  3. 3 : 31 pm

  4. 3 : 36 pm
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

At 3:x, the hour hand is at 15 + x/12 minute marks. The minute hand is at x. The difference is |x - (15 + x/12)| = 18. Case 1: x - 15 - x/12 = 18 => 11x/12 = 33 => x = 36. Case 2: 15 + x/12 - x = 18 => -11x/12 = 3 => x is negative (invalid). So 3:36 pm.

Keep practicing — related questions