Elapsed time

​What is elapsed time?

Elapsed time is the amount of time that elapses, or passes, from the beginning of an event to its end. Elapsed time is an important skill for everyday life!

​Elapsed time on the clock

You can use a clock to solve elapsed time problems. Just move the clock's hands to show the minutes or hours that have passed.
Let's try it!
Look at this clock. Right now, the clock shows 10:10. What time will it be in 30 minutes?

​To solve this problem, move the minute hand forward 30 minutes.

​So, in 30 minutes it will be 10:40!

​Let's try another one!
Look at this clock. Right now, the clock shows 9:05. What time was it 15 minutes ago?

​To solve this problem, move the minute hand back 15 minutes. Since the minute hand crosses over the 12, the hour changes too.

​So, 15 minutes ago it was 8:50!

​Elapsed time on the number line

You can also use a number line to solve elapsed time problems. Just make jumps to show the minutes or hours that have passed.
Let's try it!
Maria started reading at 3:30. She read for 1 hour and 15 minutes. At what time did Maria stop reading?
Use a number line and jump ahead to find out. Start at 3:30. Jump ahead 1 hour. Then jump ahead 15 minutes more.

​So, Maria stopped reading at 4:45!

​Let's try another one!

A baker put a cake in the oven at 12:05. He took the cake out at 1:00. How long was the cake in the oven for?

Start at 12:05. Jump ahead 10 minutes to get to 12:15. Then jump ahead 45 minutes to get to 1:00.

​So, the cake was in the oven for 55 minutes!