Functional Skills Maths: Time Calculations

Calculate durations and end times

What is Duration?

  • Duration is how long something takes.
  • Duration = end time − start time.
  • Example: starts 2:00, ends 4:30. Duration = 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Remember: 1 hour = 60 minutes (not 100).

Counting On

  • Count on in steps from the start time.
  • Start: 10:45. Count to 11:00 = 15 minutes.
  • Then count from 11:00 to 11:30 = 30 minutes.
  • Total: 15 + 30 = 45 minutes.

Finding End Times

  • To find the end time, add the duration to the start time.
  • Start: 7:00 PM. Film lasts 1 hour 45 mins.
  • 7:00 + 1 hour = 8:00. 8:00 + 45 mins = 8:45.
  • End time: 8:45 PM.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Duration from 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM

  1. 2:15 to 3:00 = 45 minutes.
  2. 3:00 to 3:45 = 45 minutes.
  3. Total: 45 + 45 = 90 minutes = 1 hour 30 minutes.

Example 2: Shift from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

  1. Hours: 9 to 1 = 4 hours.
  2. Minutes: :00 to :30 = 30 minutes.
  3. Total shift: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Practice Questions

  • Start 3:00 PM, end 5:30 PM. Duration?
    Hint: Hours: 3 to 5 = 2. Minutes: 0 to 30 = 30.
    Answer: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Start 9:45, end 10:15. Duration?
    Hint: Count: 9:45 to 10:00 = 15 mins. 10:00 to 10:15 = 15 mins.
    Answer: 30 minutes
  • Film starts 7:00 PM, lasts 1 hour 45 mins. Ends when?
    Hint: 7:00 + 1 hour = 8:00. Then add 45 minutes.
    Answer: 8:45 PM
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