Math Problem of the Week - Lower Elementary - Dec. 26, 2021 to Jan. 1, 2022

Lower Elementary: 

Question: Joel takes a train from Rockville Centre to Montauk. The train is scheduled to leave Rockville Centre at 1:30 PM and arrive in Montauk at 4:45 PM. If the train leaves on time and the trip takes 3 hours and 22 minutes, then how late or early is Joel when he reaches Montauk? 

Answer: 7 minutes late

Solution: From 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm is a 3-hour difference, and from 4:30 pm to 4:45 pm is a 15-minute difference. So, the trip from Rockville Centre to Montauk is scheduled to take 3 hours and 15 minutes. Since 22 – 15 = 7, we know that 3 hours and 22 minutes is 7 minutes longer than the trip was scheduled to take. So, Joel reaches Montauk 7 minutes late.