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Clock Reading Word Problem: Train Departure Time 5:21
Published on November 4, 2026
Word-Problem
Read the hour and minute hands on an analog clock to determine the time a train leaves, with the hour hand between 4 and 5 and the minute hand just past the 4. The minute hand points near the 20-minute mark, so the answer is 5:21.
Question
Answer
Step 1: Read the hour hand. The short hand lies between the 4 and the 5, and it is closer to the 5. So the hour is 5, and the time is 5:xx.
Step 2: Read the minute hand. The long hand points just past the 4, at about the 20-minute mark (each number is 5 minutes). This matches a reading of 21 minutes.
Step 3: Match the options. Only option D, 5:21, has the hour 5 and a minute near 20.
Answer: D. 5:21