Convert Between Times Given in Decimals and Hours and Minutes

In this activity, we are going to look at time and how it is different when expressed in decimals than when in hours and minutes. 

Sometimes, when using a calculator to find an answer, it is necessary to interpret your answer sensibly.

For example, if the answer is in hours and the calculator shows 1.5, that does not mean 1 hour 50 mins!

It means 1 and 5/10 of an hour!

0.5 = 1/2 so, the answer is 1 hour and half of an hour = 1 hour 30 minutes!

Example

Write the decimal 8.15 hours in hours and minutes.

Answer

When the answer is in hours, the decimal part must be changed into minutes by multiplying it by 60.

8.15 hours is 8 hours and 0.15 hours

0.15 × 60 = 9 minutes

So, 8.15 hours = 8 hours 9 minutes

Let's get started on some questions now.