Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: None of these
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Within a given hour, the hands are at right angles twice. Solving the right-angle condition gives two solutions. The general formulas for minutes past H:00 are t = (60H ± 15) / 11. We must compute the exact times for H = 4 and compare with the options listed.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Substitute H = 4 and compute both exact fractional minute values. Convert to mixed fractions to see if any provided option matches exactly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
t1 = (60 × 4 + 15)/11 = 255/11 = 23 2/11 minutes ⇒ 4 : 23 2/11.t2 = (60 × 4 − 15)/11 = 225/11 = 20 5/11 minutes ⇒ 4 : 20 5/11.
Verification / Alternative check:
Plugging either time into angles confirms a 90° separation (either ahead or behind). Both fall between 4:00 and 5:00 as required.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
4 : 75/11 (≈ 6 9/11), 4 : 45/11 (≈ 4 1/11), 4 : 95/11 (≈ 8 7/11) do not match 20 5/11 or 23 2/11 minutes. Hence “None of these” is correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Using only one of the ± cases or rounding fractional minutes to a nearby but incorrect fraction.
Final Answer:
None of these (correct times = 4 : 20 5/11 and 4 : 23 2/11)
Discussion & Comments