The time taken for cutting and molding a work piece is 8 minutes and 13 minutes respectively. A welder has to cut and mold 5 such work pieces. If he starts working at 1:00 p.m., what time he would complete his work?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: 2:45 p.m.
Explanation:
To determine when the welder will complete his task, we need to calculate the total time he will spend cutting and molding 5 work pieces.
Each work piece requires:
- Cutting time = 8 minutes
- Molding time = 13 minutes
- Total time per work piece = 8 + 13 = 21 minutes
Now, for 5 work pieces:
- Total time = 21 minutes × 5 = 105 minutes
Next, convert 105 minutes into hours and minutes:
- 105 ÷ 60 = 1 hour and 45 minutes
The welder starts working at 1:00 p.m.
Add 1 hour and 45 minutes to this time:
- 1:00 p.m. + 1 hour = 2:00 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. + 45 minutes = 2:45 p.m.
So, the welder will complete the cutting and molding of 5 work pieces by 2:45 p.m.
Why this matters:
Understanding how to calculate total time for multiple tasks is a practical application of basic arithmetic and time management. In this scenario, breaking down the problem into steps—first finding the time per task, multiplying for the number of repetitions, and then converting minutes into standard time format—helps in planning and efficiency. These kinds of problems are especially relevant in manufacturing, project planning, or any job that involves scheduled activities. It is important to clearly account for both individual time units and cumulative effects to avoid underestimating the time needed, which could result in delays or scheduling conflicts. Time calculations like this also build a solid foundation for understanding more complex scheduling problems in professional environments.