Solving Word Problems with Elapsed Time

MatholiaChannel

This instructional video guides students through solving three distinct types of word problems involving time: calculating duration, determining an end time, and finding a start time. Using clear handwriting on a whiteboard background, the narrator demonstrates step-by-step strategies for working with the 12-hour clock, specifically focusing on the method of "bridging" to the nearest hour to simplify calculations. The video covers key concepts such as converting minutes to hours (e.g., 70 minutes becomes 1 hour and 10 minutes), distinguishing between a.m. and p.m., and using a number line approach to visualize time jumps. It addresses the common difficulty of regrouping base-60 time units versus base-10 numbers, providing a logical framework for adding and subtracting time intervals. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent model for "think-aloud" problem solving. It models how to break down complex multi-step problems into manageable chunks. The visual representation of jumping forward or backward in time helps concrete thinkers grasp abstract temporal concepts, making it a valuable tool for introducing or reinforcing elapsed time skills in upper elementary mathematics.