Time Word Problems

Teaching time word problems

Prerequisites: elapsed time and finish time with hops, and the units of time.

Suggested sequence (20–30 min)

1. Sort the problems: Which are “finish time”, “start time” or “how long”? Don’t solve yet.
2. Model: Think aloud on one problem, drawing the number line.
3. Practice in pairs: Use the quiz and ask for the number line before the answer.
4. Challenge: Have children write their own time problems for a partner.

Common misconceptions

• Adding when they should subtract (or the reverse) for start times.
• Mixing units: 1 hour 40 minutes is 100 minutes, not 140.
• am/pm slips. Check whether the time passes noon or midnight.

Questions to ask

• “What is the problem asking us to find?”
• “Does your answer make sense? Is it more or less than an hour?”

Curriculum links

UK Year 3–4: compare and calculate durations; convert between units of time. US CCSS 3.MD.1: add and subtract time intervals in minutes. 4.MD.2: word problems involving intervals of time.

What your child is learning

Your child is learning to use time skills in real-life problems: how long something lasts, when it will end, and when it started.

Why it can feel tricky

• The problem has words as well as numbers, so it needs careful reading.
• It uses several steps and two units (hours and minutes) at once.

Easy ways to help at home

• Ask real problems: “Football is at 4:30 and lasts 1 hour 15. When does it end?”
• Encourage drawing a number line instead of working it out in their head.
• Check TV or bus times together.
• Keep it short and playful. 2 or 3 minutes at a time is plenty.

Try this: “We’re leaving at 2:15 and the trip takes 50 minutes. What time will we arrive?” (3:05)