What is Quarter To?

S0-SA5-0426

Grade Level:

Class 2

Time, Daily Life

Definition

What is it?

Quarter To is a way to tell time on a clock. It means there are 15 minutes left until the next hour. So, 'Quarter To 3' means it is 15 minutes before 3 o'clock.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine your favourite TV show starts at 8 o'clock. If your mom says, 'It's quarter to 8, hurry up!', it means there are 15 minutes left until 8 o'clock. You have 15 minutes to get ready before the show begins.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's find out what 'Quarter To 7' means on a clock.

1. Identify the 'next hour'. In 'Quarter To 7', the next hour is 7 o'clock.
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2. Remember that 'Quarter To' means 15 minutes before the next hour.
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3. To find the current time, subtract 15 minutes from 7 o'clock.
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4. 7 o'clock is also 6 hours and 60 minutes.
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5. Subtract 15 minutes from 60 minutes: 60 - 15 = 45 minutes.
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6. So, the hour remains 6, and the minutes are 45.
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7. Therefore, 'Quarter To 7' is 6:45.

Why It Matters

Understanding 'Quarter To' helps you read analog clocks accurately and manage your daily schedule better. Knowing how to tell time is crucial for everyone, from bus drivers keeping schedules to pilots flying planes, ensuring everything runs on time.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Thinking 'Quarter To 5' means 5:15. | CORRECTION: 'Quarter To' means BEFORE the hour. So, 'Quarter To 5' is 15 minutes BEFORE 5, which is 4:45.

MISTAKE: Confusing 'Quarter To' with 'Quarter Past'. | CORRECTION: 'Quarter To' means 15 minutes BEFORE the hour. 'Quarter Past' means 15 minutes AFTER the hour.

MISTAKE: Looking at the big hand pointing to the '3' for 'Quarter To'. | CORRECTION: For 'Quarter To', the big hand (minute hand) points to the '9' on the clock, because that represents 45 minutes past the hour, or 15 minutes before the next hour.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: What time is 'Quarter To 11'? | ANSWER: 10:45

QUESTION: Your school bell rings at 'Quarter To 9'. If it takes you 20 minutes to walk to school, what is the latest time you should leave home? | ANSWER: 8:25 (Quarter To 9 is 8:45. 8:45 - 20 minutes = 8:25)

QUESTION: A train is scheduled to arrive at 'Quarter To 6' in the evening. If it is delayed by 30 minutes, what time will it actually arrive? | ANSWER: 6:15 PM (Quarter To 6 is 5:45 PM. 5:45 PM + 30 minutes = 6:15 PM)

MCQ

Quick Quiz

What time does 'Quarter To 4' represent?

1899-12-30T04:15:00.000Z

1899-12-30T03:45:00.000Z

1899-12-30T04:30:00.000Z

1899-12-30T03:15:00.000Z

The Correct Answer Is:

Quarter To' means 15 minutes before the given hour. So, 15 minutes before 4 o'clock is 3:45. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they represent times after 4 or different minute values.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

In India, knowing 'Quarter To' is very useful for planning your day. For example, if your favourite cricket match starts at 'Quarter To 7' in the evening, you know exactly when to switch on the TV. Or if your bus leaves at 'Quarter To 8', you must be at the bus stop before that time.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

ANALOG CLOCK: A clock with hands that move to show time | MINUTE HAND: The longer hand on a clock that shows minutes | HOUR HAND: The shorter hand on a clock that shows hours | BEFORE: Earlier than a particular time

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Great job understanding 'Quarter To'! Now you're ready to learn about 'Half Past' and 'Quarter Past'. These concepts will help you become a master at reading any clock and managing your time like a pro!