Time and Date Calculations

The exam may require you to calculate the difference between times or what the real time is. To calculate you must be clear on:

• Base time
• Comparison time.
• Convert 1 to another usually by addition (going up) or subtraction (going down). Remember that there are 12 hours per clock AM time and 12 hours per PM time.

These particular questions use ‘easy maths’ such as addition and subtraction but they are somewhat fiddly.

The ‘fiddly’ part of the question is where students can get the wrong answer. Write out information in groups and attach the right information to a set group. This will allow you to see the connection which enables you to progress with more confidence compared to doing it mentally (as there is no visual check).

To do well, it’s important to label and complete questions in a methodical way. Like this:

1. List out your base time – this is the time you are given.
2. List out your comparison time – this is the time you want to get to.
3. Decide how to get from one to the other (up or down?).

Example Question/s

Watch video for explanation of the following question/s:

Tokyo is 16:0 hours ahead of Vancouver.
What time it is it in Tokyo if it is 1:00am in Vancouver?

My wristwatch is 3 hours behind the school clock and my home clock is 2 hours behind my wristwatch. If the school clock rings at 3pm and I get home 1 hour after that; what time would my home clock show when I arrive at home?

Key rules to remember

• Make it clear as to what time or date you're converting to and what time or date your 'base' was.
• Write out information in groups to avoid confusion and to deal better with 'fiddly' information.

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

Click on the button below and start your practice questions. We recommend doing untimed mode first, and then, when you're ready, do timed mode.

Every question has two solutions videos after you complete the question. The first is a quick 60 second video that shows you how our expert answers the question quickly. The second video is a more in-depth 5-steps or less explainer video that shows you the steps to take to answer the question. It's really important that you review the second video because that's where you'll learn additional tips and tricks.

Once you're done with the practice questions, move on to the next checkpoint.

Now, let’s get started on your practice questions.