Mathematics
Grade 5
15 min
Find start and end times: word problems
Find start and end times: word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the start time, end time, and duration in a time word problem.
Calculate the end time when given a start time and a duration.
Calculate the start time when given an end time and a duration.
Determine the duration (elapsed time) between a given start time and end time.
Convert between hours and minutes to solve time problems accurately.
Utilize number lines or T-charts as strategies to solve time word problems.
Solve multi-step word problems involving finding start, end, or elapsed times.
Ever wonder how much time you have left until your favorite show starts, or when you need to leave to get to a party on time? ⏰ Learning about time helps us plan our day perfectly!
In this lesson, you'll become a time detective, learning how to find when...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Start TimeThe exact moment an event begins.If a movie begins at 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM is the start time.
End TimeThe exact moment an event finishes.If a movie ends at 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM is the end time.
Duration (Elapsed Time)The amount of time that passes from the start of an event to its end.If a movie starts at 3:00 PM and ends at 5:00 PM, the duration is 2 hours.
Time IntervalA specific period of time, often used interchangeably with duration.A 30-minute time interval for lunch.
AM/PMAM stands for 'ante meridiem' (before midday), from midnight to noon. PM stands for 'post meridiem' (after midday), from noon to midnight.7:00 AM is morning, 7:00 PM is evening.
Number Line StrategyA visual tool used to add or subtract time by 'jumping' forward...
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Core Formulas
Finding End Time
End\ Time = Start\ Time + Duration
To find when an event will finish, add the length of the event (duration) to when it started.
Finding Start Time
Start\ Time = End\ Time - Duration
To find when an event began, subtract the length of the event (duration) from when it finished.
Finding Duration (Elapsed Time)
Duration = End\ Time - Start\ Time
To find how long an event lasted, subtract the start time from the end time.
Time Conversion
1\ hour = 60\ minutes
Use this rule to convert between hours and minutes when adding or subtracting time, especially when minutes exceed 60 or when 'borrowing' from hours.
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Challenging
A train arrived at its destination at 3:05 PM. The journey was supposed to take 2 hours and 10 minutes, but the train was delayed by 25 minutes. What was the train's actual departure time?
A.10:55 AM
B.10:30 AM
C.12:55 PM
D.12:30 PM
Challenging
A librarian worked from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. During her shift, she took an unpaid lunch break of 45 minutes. How much time did she actually work?
A.8 hours 30 minutes
B.7 hours 45 minutes
C.8 hours 15 minutes
D.7 hours 15 minutes
Challenging
To prepare for a party, you need to complete three tasks: bake a cake (1 hour 20 minutes), clean the room (40 minutes), and set the table (15 minutes). You can do them in any order, but without breaks. If the party starts at 6:00 PM, what is the latest possible time you can begin the first task?
A.3:45 PM
B.4:45 PM
C.3:15 PM
D.4:15 PM
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