Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
A.M. or P.M.
A.M. or P.M.
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define A.M. and P.M. and explain what the letters stand for.
Identify the time period for A.M. (midnight to noon) and P.M. (noon to midnight).
Correctly label a given time with A.M. or P.M. based on a described daily activity.
Explain the difference between 12:00 A.M. (midnight) and 12:00 P.M. (noon).
Order a list of events chronologically using A.M. and P.M. times.
Solve simple word problems that require differentiating between A.M. and P.M.
Do you eat breakfast at 7:00 in the morning or 7:00 at night? ☀️🌙 Let's learn how to use A.M. and P.M. to be sure!
We will learn about two important parts of the day: A.M. and P.M. Knowing the difference helps us read schedules, know when to go to school, and understand when our favorite TV show is on.
Real-W...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
A.M.A.M. stands for 'ante meridiem,' which is a fancy way of saying 'before midday.' It is the time from midnight until just before noon.When you wake up and eat breakfast, it is A.M. For example, 7:30 A.M.
P.M.P.M. stands for 'post meridiem,' which means 'after midday.' It is the time from noon until just before midnight.When you get home from school and eat dinner, it is P.M. For example, 6:00 P.M.
NoonNoon is the time 12:00 in the middle of the day, when the sun is usually at its highest point. This is the moment the day switches from A.M. to P.M.Lunchtime at school is often around 12:00 P.M. (noon).
MidnightMidnight is the time 12:00 in the middle of the night. This is when one day ends and a new day begins, switching from...
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Core Formulas
The A.M. Time Block
12:00 A.M. (Midnight) \rightarrow 11:59 A.M. (Morning)
Use A.M. for any time in the morning. This includes the middle of the night (like 2:00 A.M.) and all the hours before lunch.
The P.M. Time Block
12:00 P.M. (Noon) \rightarrow 11:59 P.M. (Night)
Use P.M. for any time in the afternoon, evening, and nighttime before midnight. This starts right at lunchtime.
The Switching Points
11:59 A.M. \rightarrow 12:00 P.M. \rightarrow 12:01 P.M. \quad AND \quad 11:59 P.M. \rightarrow 12:00 A.M. \rightarrow 12:01 A.M.
The switch from A.M. to P.M. happens at noon (12:00 P.M.). The switch from P.M. to A.M. happens at midnight (12:00 A.M.) and starts a new day.
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Challenging
The town parade starts at 10:30 A.M. and lasts for exactly 3 hours. What time does the parade end?
A.1:30 A.M.
B.13:30 P.M.
C.1:30 P.M.
D.12:30 P.M.
Challenging
Leo's soccer practice is at 5:00 P.M. His mom told him to finish his homework 2 hours before practice starts. What time should Leo finish his homework?
A.7:00 P.M.
B.3:00 P.M.
C.3:00 A.M.
D.7:00 A.M.
Challenging
Which of these times is closest to midnight (the start of a new day)?
A.11:55 P.M.
B.12:05 A.M.
C.11:50 P.M.
D.12:10 A.M.
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