Clocks

Introduction
The dial of a clock is a circle whose circumference is
divided into 12 parts, called hour spaces. Each hour space is
further divided into 5 parts, called minute spaces. This way,
the whole circumference is divided into 12 x 5 = 60 minute
spaces.
The time taken by the hour hand (smaller hand) to
cover a distance of an hour space is equal to the time taken
by the minute hand (longer hand) to cover a distance of the
whole circumference. Thus, we may conclude that in 60 minutes, the minute hand gains 55 minutes on the hour hand.
Note: The above statement (given in bold) is very
much useful in solving the problems in this chapter, so it
should be remembered. The above statement wants to say
that:
"In an hour, the hour-hand moves a distance of 5
minute spaces whereas the minute-hand moves a distance of
60 minute spaces. Thus the minute-hand remains 60 - 5 = 55
minute spaces ahead of the hour-hand."

Some other facts:

1.
2.

6.

In every hour, both the hands coincide once.

When the two hands are at right angle, they are 15 minute
spaces apart. This happens twice in every hour.
When the hands are in opposite directions, they are 30
minute spaces apart. This happens once in every hour.
The hands are in the same straight line when they are
coincident or opposite to each other.
The hour hand moves around the whole circumference
of clock once in 12 hours. So the minute hand is twelve
times faster than hour hand.
The clock is divided into 60 equal minute divisions.

7.

1 minute division =

3.
4.
5.

360

- apart.

60
8. The clock has 12 hours numbered from 1 to 12 serially
arranged.
9. Each hour number evenly and equally separated by five
minute divisions (= 5 * 6) = 30 apart.
10. In one minute, the minute hand moves one minute division or 6.

11. In one minute, the hour hand moves

12. In one minute the minute hand gains 5 ^

more than

hour hand.
13. When the hands are together, they are 0 apart.
Hence,
Both hands
Required Angle
to be coincident
0
to be at right angle

90

to be in opposite direction

180

to be in straight line

0 or 180

As per the required angle difference between minute-hand

and hour-hand and the initial (or starting) position of the
hour-hand, different formulae are used to find out the required time. Now consider the Rules (Quicker Methods)
given in the following pages.

Too Fast And Too Slow:

If a watch indicates 9.20, when the correct time is 9.10,
it is said to be 10 minutes too fast. And i f it indicates 9.00,
when the correct time is 9.10, it is said to be 10 minutes too
slow.

Rule 1
Theorem: Between x and (x + l)o 'clock, the two hands will
f\2\
be together at 5x^~^-J minutes past x.

Illustrative Example
Ex:

At what time between 4 and 5 o'clock are the hands

of the clock together?
Soln: Detail Method: At 4 o'clock, the hour hand is at 4 and
the minute hand is at 12. It means that they are 20 min
spaces apart. To be together, the minute hand must
gain 20 minutes over the hour hand. Now, we know
that 55 min. are gained in 60 min.

PRACTICE BOOK ON QUICKER MATHS

682

cases:
Case I : When the minute hand is 15 min spaces behind the hour hand.
To be in this position, the min hand should have to
gain 2 0 - 15 = 5 min spaces.

^
. 60
240
9
.
.-. 20 min are gained in x ^ = - j r - = * yy min.
1

Therefore, the hands will be together at 2 1 min

past 4.

Now, we know that 55 min spaces are gained in 60 min

Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, we

have
required answer
5x12
=

240
"~Tl~

.-, 5 min spaces are gained in 55

b) 16 YY min past 3

c) 16 min past 3

d) None of these

60
,', 35 min spaces will be gained in T ^ * - " ~

2.

3.

d)

12
they will be at right angle at ( 5 x 4 - 1 5 ) x and

9
a) 10 min past2

10
b) 10 min past 2

c) 10 min past 2

d) None of these

2.d

12
5
2
(5x4 + 15)x min past 4 or, 5 min and 38

2
d) 48 minutes past 9

Answers
l.c

Quicker Method: Applying the above rule, we can

say that,

3
y y minutes past 5

At what time, are the hands of a clock together between

2 and 3?

min past 4.

Exercise
1.

10

9
b) ' ^ J ^ min past 4

min past 4

v,,10
c) 1 1 mm past 4

4.b

Rule 2

d) None of these

At what times are the hands of a clock at right angles

between 7 am and 8 am?
. .. 6
, 9
a) 54 min past 7, y y min past 7
2 1

Theorem: Between x and (x +1) o 'clock the two hands are

12

5
8
b) 52 min past 7, ' y y min past 7
2

at right angle at (5x15)x minutes past x.

Illustrative Example
At what time between 4 and 5 o'clock will the hand of
clock be at right angle?
Soln: Detail Method: At 4 o'clock, there are 20 min. spaces
between hour and minute hands.To be at right angle,
they should be 15 min spaces apart. So, there are two

At what time between 5 and 6 o'clock will the hands of a

clock be at right angle?
a)

2.
3.c

.. they are at right angle at 38 min past 4.

At what time between 9 and 10 will the hands of a watch

be together?
a) 45 minutes past 9
b) 50 minutes past 9
1
c) 49 minutes past 9

4.

2 7

min

At what time between 5 and 6 are the hands of a clock

coincident?
a) 22 minutes past 5
b) 30 minutes past 5
8
c) 22 minutes past 5

Cae I I : When the minute hand is 15 min spaces ahead

of the hour hand.
To be in this position, the min hand should have to
gain 20+ 15 = 35 min spaces.
Now, we know that 55 min spaces are gained in 60 min

At what time between 3 and 4 o'clock are the hands of a

clock together?
a) 16 min past 3

,*, they are at right angle at 5 min past 4.

9
.
11 minpast4.

Exercise
1.

JT

c) " Y Y
5

Ex:

3.

past 7, 2 1 min past 7

d) None of these
At what time between 5.30 and 6 will the hands of a clock
be at right angles?

Clocks

683

a) 43 minutes past 5

. 5
.-. the hand will in opposite directions at 5 min

b) 43 minutes past 5

c) 40 minutes past 5
d) 45 minutes past 5
At what time between 10 and 11 O' c lock wi 11 the hand of
clock be at right angle?
a) 38 min past 10

b) 6 YY min past 10

c) 38 min past 10

d) 8 min past 10

past 7.
Case I I : When they coincide (or come together), ie, 0 min
spaces apart. (See rule 1).
Quicker Method:
Case I : Between x and (x + 1) O'clock the two hands are in
opposite directions at
12
12
(5X-30)YJ- min past x = (35-30)x min past 7

Answers
l.a
3.b;

2. a
Hint: In this case direct formula is not applicable because, given data is not in the form of x and x + 1.
At 5 O'clock, the hands are 25 min spaces apart. To
be at right angles and that too between 5.30 and 6, the
min hand has to gain (25 + 15) or 40 min spaces.
Now applying the formula, we have required answer
12
11

x40

= 5 min past 7.
Case I I : Same as Ex 1.
Ex.2: At what time between 4 and 5 will the hands of a
watch point in opposite direction?
Soln: Applying the above rule, we have,
the required answer = (5x4 + 30) min past 4

43 YY min past 5.
= 54 min past 4.

4. a

Rule 3

Exercise

Theorem: Between x and (x+ l)o 'clock, the two hands are
in the same straight line
Case I (a) when they are in opposite directions ie, 30 minutes spaces apart, at

1.

Find at what time between 8 and 9 O'clock will the hands

of a clock be in the same straight line but not together.
, 10
a) 10 min past 8
A

(5x - 3 0J minutes past x. [where x > 6]

d) None of these

(b) when x < 6, the above formula will become as

Find at what time between 2 and 3 O'clock will the hands

of a clock be in the same straight line but not together.

12
(5X +

30)JY minutes pastx. [See Ex. 2]

Note: At 6 O'clock two hands will be in opposite direction.

Case I I : When they coincide (or come together), ie 0 minute
spaces apart at

5x

'12^
minutes pastx (see Rule 1)

a) 43 min past 2

b) 43 min past 2

c) 43 min past 2

d) None of these

Find at what time between 9 and 10 O'clock will the hands

of a clock be in the same straight line but not together.

Illustrative Examples
Ex. 1: Find at what time between 7 and 8 o'clock will the
hands of a clock be in the same straight line.
Soln: Detail Method: There are two cases:
Case I : When they are in opposite directions, ie, 30 min
spaces apart.
At 7 o'clock they are 25 min spaces apart.
Therefore, to be in opposite directions the minute
hand will have to gain 30 - 25 = 5 min spaces.

a) 16 YY min past 9

b) 16-j- min past 9

3
.
c) 16 min past 9

d) None of these

Answers
, o , \12
1. a; Hint: Required answer = (5x8--^O/yy
n

,-10

120
"JT

= 10 min past 8

. 60 .

. 5
Now, 5 min spaces will be gained in x 5 - 5- min
55
11

b) 10 YY m>n past 8

2. b

3. a

PRACTICE BOOK ON QUICKER MATHS

684
3.

Rule 4

At what time between 3 and 4 is the minute-hand 7 minutes ahead of the hour-hand?
a) 24 min past 5
b) 24 min past 7
c) 24 min past 3
d) 24 min past 8
At what time between 3 and 4 is the minute-hand 4 minutes behind the hour-hand?
a) 12 minutes past 3
b) 14 minutes past 3
c) 16 minutes past 3
d) None of these

Theorem: Between x and (x+1)0 'clock the two hands will

4.

he't' minutes apart at [px + tj minutes past x.

Illustrative Example
Ex:

At what time between 4 and 5 are the hands 2 minute

spaces apart?
Soln: Detail Method: At 4 o'clock, the two hands are 20 min
spaces apart.
Case I: When the minute hand is 2 minute spaces behind the
hour hand. In this case, the minute hand will have to
gain (20 -2), ie, 18 minute spaces. Now, we know that
18 min spaces will be gained in

3. b; Hint: Required answer = (l5 + 7 ) =24 min past 7.

4. a; Hint: Required answer = ( 5 x 3 - 4 ) = 12 min past 3.

Rule 5

II

Case II: When the minute hand is 2 min spaces ahead of the
hour hand. In this case, the min-hand will have to
gain (20 + 2), ie, 22 minute spaces.
Now, we know that 22 minute spaces will be gained in
x22 = 24 min
55
.-. the hands will be 2 min apart at 24 min past 4.
Quicker Method: Applying the above rule, we have
the required answer
U ,
12 18x12
22x12
= (5x42) =
or
11
11
11
7
= 1 9 o r 24 min
7
Therefore, they will be 2 min spaces apart at 19yy
min past 4 and 24 min past 4.
At what time between 5 and 6 are the hands of a clock 3
minutes apart?
a) 24 min past 6
b) 26 min past 5
c) 30 min past 5

Theorem: The minute hand of a clock overtakes the hour

hand at certain intervals (given in minutes) of correct time.
The clock lose or gain in a day is given by
720
11

given interval in minute

60x24
given interval in minutes

according as the sign is +ve or -ve.

Illustrative Example
Ex:

The minute hand of a clock overtakes the hour hand

at intervals of 63 minutes of correct time. How much a
day does the clock lose or gain?
Soln: Detail Method:
In a correct clock, the minute hand gains 55 min spaces
over the hour-hand in 60 minutes. To be together
again, the minute-hand must gain 60 min over the
hour hand.
We know that 60 min are gained in

Exercise

2.

2. a

m l

11

7
.-. they will be 2 min apart at ^ min past 4.

1.

l.a

= 19 n.

xl8 =
55

Answers

d) Can't be determined

At what time between 4 and 5 are the hands of a clock 4

minutes apart?

x60 = 6 5 n
55
11
But they are together after 63 minutes.
m

.-. gain in 63 minutes = 65

b)

c) W>- min past 4

d) None of these

2 (

> ~ min past 4

11

11

27x60x24

.-. gain in 24 hrs =

a) 6 y y min past 4

27

63

llx63

5 6

min.

8
^ y min.

Quicker Method: Applying the above rule, we have

the required answer
720

-63

60x24
63

27

min

60 x 24.

Y p x - ^ T - min.

Clocks

685
= 30x0-12.5=12.5
Ex. 2: At what angle the hands of a clock are inclined at 15
minutes past 5?
Soln: Quicker Method:

Since sign is +ve, there is a gain of 5 6 min.

77

Exercise
The minute hand of a clock overtakes the hour hand at
intervals of 65 minutes. How much a day does the clock
gain or lose?

Angle = 30 Diff of 5 and +

5J

a) 1 0 mm

5
= 30x2 + = 67.5

b) 10 min

Ex.3:

ii
c) 1 1 m i n
1 0

At what angle are the hands of a clock inclined at 55

minutes past 8?
Soln: By the above formula:

d) None of these

How much does a watch gain or lose per day, if its hands
coincide every 64 minutes?
a) 32 min

b) 31 ~ min

c) 32 min

d) None of these

A n g l e =

30lDiffof8and^l

nswers
2. a

Rule 6
find the angle between hands of clock,
gle between two hands =
Difference of hours and

117.5

Minutes

Minutes

55
i

= 30(3)-27.5 = 62.5
Note: The two types of formulae work in two different cases.
(1) When hour hand is ahead of the minute hand (like,
when the minute hand is at 4, the hour hand should
be after 4, ie, between 4-5,5-6,6-7....) we use the formula:
30 Diff of hrs and

If the angle is greater

formula,

Minutest

minutes

(2)

Angle

use the formula:

= 30 Difference of hours and

Minutes

Minutes

30^Diff of hrs and

[See Ex. 3]

30
,1
x 25 = 1 2 -
60
2
.-. the angle between two hands = 12.5
Quicker Method: Applying the above rule, we have
M

idI +

Minutes ] minutes
5

2 ~

Exercise

Illustrative Examples
E\ 1: At what angle are the hands of a clock inclined at 25
minutes past 5?
In: Detail Method:
At 25 minutes past 5, the minute hand is at 5 and hour
hand sightly ahead of 5.
The hour-hand moves by an angle of 30 in 60 min.
.-. in 25 minutes, the hour hand moves by an angle of

the required answer =

But it is not correct. If we think carefully wc find that

the angle should be less than 90. In this case, the
formula differs and is given below as
Angle = 30^Diff of 8 a n d y

30x

+ 5

1.

Find the time between 3 and 4 O'clock when the angle

between the hands of a watch is one-third of a right
angle.
a) 'Oyy

a s t

b) 10 min past 3

d) None of these
min past 3
1
Find the angle between the two hands of a clock of 15
minutes past 4 O'clock.
a) 38.5
b)36.5
c)37.5
d) None of these
Find the angle between the two hands of a clock at 4.30
pm.
a) 45
b)30
c)60
d) None of these
At what angle are the two hands of a clock inclined at 20
c)

PRACTICE BOOK ON QUICKER MATHS

686
minutes past 5?
a) 30
b)45

6.
c)50

d)40

Answers
1. a; Hint:

3-

+ ^ = 30
2
M

or,(15-M)6-

30

7.

or, 180-12M + M = 60
8.

120

10
M=
= 10minpast3.
11
l
2. c; Hint: At 15 minutes past 4, the minute-hand is behind
the hour-hand. Hence, using the given formula (i), we
have the required answer
1

= 30 x4-

15

+ = 30 + 7.5: 57.5
2

a; Hint: At 4.30 pm the minute-hand is ahead of the hourhand. Therefore, we apply the given formula (ii)
.-. required answer
30

H_
5

30
4

= 3 0 x 2 - 1 5 = 45

Note: Sometimes, time is given in the form of 24 hours instead of 12 hours in order to avoid the confusion of am
and pm. For example, 14.20 or 1420 hours. In all such
cases when the hour part exceeds 12, we subtract 1200
from it and then solve it. So, 14.20 reduces to 2.20 or 20
minutes past 2.
4.d

Miscellaneous
1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

How many times do the hands of a clock point opposite

to each other in 12 hours?
a) 6 times
b) 10 times c) 11 times d) 12 times
How many times are the hands of a clock at right angles
in a day?
a) 24 times b) 48 times c) 22 times d) 44 times
How many times in a day are the hands of a clock straight?
a) 48 times b) 24 times c) 44 times d) None of these
A watch which gains uniformly, is 5 min slow at 8 O'clock
in the morning on Sunday, and is 5 min 48 sec fast at 8
pm on following Sunday. When was it correct?
a) 20 min past 7 pm on Tuesday
b) 20 min past 7 pm on Wednesday
c) 10 min past 7 pm on Tuesday
d) 10 min past 7 pm on Wednesday
A clock is set right at 8 am. The clock gains 10 minutes in
24 hours. What will be the true time when the clock indicates 1 pm on the following day?
a) 28 hrs
b) 28 hrs 48 min
c) 28 hrs 42 min
d) None of these

A clock is set right at 4 a.m. The clock loses 20 min in 24

hours. What will be the true time when the clock indicates 3 a.m. on 4th day?
a) 4 am
b)5am
c)3am
d)4pm
A watch, which gains uniformly is 2 min slow at noon or
Monday, and is 4 min 48 seconds fast at 2 pm on the
following Monday. When was it correct?
a) 2 pm on Tuesday
b) 2 pm on Wednesday
c) 3 pm on Thursday
d) 1 pm on Friday
A watch which gains 5 seconds in 3 minutes was set
right at 7 am. In the afternoon of the same day, when the
watch indicated quarter past 4 O'clock, the true time is
a) 59 minutes past 3
12

b)4pm

7
c) 58 minutes past 3

3
d) 2 minutes past 4

9.

How many times do the hands of a clock coincide in a

day?
a) 24
b)20
c)21
d)22
10. How many times do the hands of a clock point towards
each other in a day?
a) 24
b)20
c)12
d)22
11 At what time between 4 and 5 will the hands of a watc"
be equidistant from the figure 5.
a) 27 yy min past 4

8
b) 27 i n past 4

c) 27 min past 4

d) None of these

12. I f the hands of a clock coincide every 65 minutes (tr_:

time) how much does the clock gain or lose in 24 houn'

,i

, 1
b) 1 0 min

1 0

.a)llmin
c) 1 0 min

d) None of these

Answers
1. c; Hint: The hands of a clock point opposite to each otbe11 times in every 12 hours (because between 5 and 7. a
6 O'clock only they point opposite to each other).
2. d; Hint: In 12 hours, they are at right angles 22 times
cause two positions of 3 O'clock and 9 O'clock are c
mon). Therefore, in a day they are at right angles for
times.
3. c; Hint: The hands coincide or are in opposite direction
+ 22) ie 44 times in a day.
4. b; Hint: Time between the given interval = 180 hrs
The watch gains =

"5"

'

' ' ^0 hrs

n

locks

687

180x5 .
.-. 5 min is gained in -> =83 hrs 20 min

54
x

= 3 days 11 hrs 20 min

.-. it was correct at 20 min past 7 pm on Wednesday,
b; Hint: Time from 8 am on a day to 1 pm on the following
day is 29 hrs.
Now, 24 hrs 10 min of this clock are the same as 24 hours
of the correct clock.
145
ie, hrs of this clock = 24 hrs of correct clock.
6
(24x6
29 hrs of this clock = I

)
" j hrs of correct clock.

= 28 hrs 48 min of correct clock.

So, the correct time is 28 hrs 48 min after 8 am or 48 min
past 12.
a; Hint: Time from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. on 3rd day = 24 x 3 - 1 =
71 hrs.
Now, 23 hrs 40 min of this clock = 24 hrs of correct clock.
,,2

71

or, 23 = - hrs of this clock = 24 hrs of correct clock.

71
24x3x71
clock.
71 hrs of this clock =

72 hrs of correct
Therefore, the correct time = 3 a.m. + ( 7 2 - 7 1 ) = 4 a.m.
b; Hint: Time from Monday noon to 2 pm on following
Monday
= 7 days 2 hours = 170 hours
(
The watch gains |
;

2 +

4^
34
4 ~ | or, min in 170 hours
5.
170x5

it will gain 2 min in

34

hrs

37
Now, min of this watch = 3 min of the correct watch.
12
3x12
37

For the 1st case see Rule 1

In the second case suppose that the hour-hand is at A,
and the minute-hand at B, so that A5 = 5B. Since the
space between 4 and 5 is equal to the space between 5
and 6,
.-. 4A = 6B
Hence, 12B+4A= 12B + 6B = 30min
That is, the two hands, between them have moved
through a space of 30 minutes since 4 O'clock. But the
minute hand moves 12 times as fast as the hour hand.
Hence 12B= 30 x

37

x555

60x60
5
hand in or " y y minutes. Therefore, the hands

of a correct clock coincide every 65 minutes.

But the hands of the clock mentioned in the question
coincide every 65 minutes. Hence in 65 minutes, the clock
gains min.
.-. in 60 24 min or 24 hours it gains
x

min
A J _ x 6 0 x 2 4 = 1 0 min
11 65
143

555
-x

60 J

27 i n .
m

13

.-. the required time is 27 min past 4.

3x12

12

12. b; Hint: The minute-hand gains 60 minutes over the hourx2

= 50 hrs = 2 days 2 hrs.

So, the watch is correct 2 days 2 hours after Monday
noon ie, at 2 pm on Wednesday,
b; Hint: Time from 7 am to quarter past 4
= 9 hours 15 min = 555 min.

555 min of this watch =

9. d; Hint: The hands of a clock coincide 11 times in every 12

hours (because between 11 and 1, they coincide only
once, at 12 O'clock). So, the hands coincide 22 times in a
day.
10. d; Hint: The hands of a clock point towards each other 11
times in every 12 hours (because between 5 and 7, at 6
O'clock only they point towards each other).
So, in a day the hands point towards each other 22 times.
11. c; Hint: The hands will be equidistant from the figure 5,
(i) when they are coincident between 4 and 5 and
(ii) when they are in the position shown in the diagram.

hrs = 9 hrs of the correct watch.

Correct time is 9 hours after 7 am ie, 4 pm