AM and PM – Definition, Examples, FAQs, Practice Problems

CLOCK!! TIME!!

From an early age the kids are taught the topics about time and clock. they get confused when they are told to tell the right time. Many of them learn it easily but for the majority it is a muddled concept. We need to go step by step in order to teach the children in an accurate way. They also get confused while learning about the concept of AM and PM while determining the time of the day. In order to clear the confusion some important rules need to be remembered about AM and PM, which helps them to solve problems accurately.

Observe the following image of a clock

This is an analogue clock which represents 12 numbers from 1-12. There are three hands in a clock, an hour hand and a minute hand and a seconds hand. Each Number denotes an hour. The hour hand revolves around twice the clock to complete 24 hours. In order to indicate the right time, we use AM and PM. The 1st half of the day, which is morning, is known as AM and the 2nd half of the day, which is noon and evening, is known as PM.

These are the Latin words which are used to refer to time. AM stands for ‘Ante Meridiem’ and PM stands for ‘Post Meridiem’. AM indicates the time of the day before noon or midday and pm indicates the afternoon or evening. These abbreviations are used for indicating time when following the 12-hour clock to represent morning, daytime or night hours.

What is a 12-hour clock system?

The Analogue clock is known to be a 12-hour clock. It has one hour hand and 1 minute hand. It consists of numbers from 1-12. The hour hand revolves twice around the clock. To indicate the correct time AM and PM is used.

What is a 24-hour clock system?

The 24-hour clock system refers to the time shown on a digital clock. The start of the new day is represented by the clock showing 00.00 and at 23.59, the day ends. In digital clocks we do not use the concept of AM and PM.

Convert 12-hour clock time to 24-hour clock

Case I: For the first hour (i.e., 12:00 A.M. to 12:59 A.M.)

Subtract 12 hours and remove A.M.

For example,

The 24-hour clock time for 12:00 A.M. is 00:00

The 24-hour clock time for 12:30 A.M. is 00:30

Case II: For times between 1:00 A.M. to 12:59 P.M.

The hours and minutes remain the same. Just remove the A.M./P.M. from the time.

For example,

The 24-hour clock time for 10:45 A.M. is 10:45

The 24-hour clock time for 12:10 P.M. is 12:10

Case III: For times between 1:00 P.M. to 11:59 P.M.

Add 12 hours and remove P.M. from the time.

For example,

The 24-hour clock time for 4:17 P.M. is 16:17

The 24-hour clock time for 11:55 P.M. is 23:55

Convert 24-hour clock time to 12-hour clock

Case I: For the first hour (i.e., 00:00 or midnight to 00:59)

Add 12 hours and A.M. to the time.

For example,

The time for 00:30 is 12:30 A.M.

The time for 00:45 is 12:45 A.M.

Case II: For time starting from 13:00 to 23:59

Subtract 12 hours and add P.M. to the time.

For example,

The time for 17:25 is 5:25 P.M.

The time for 20:35 is 8:35 P.M.

Solved Examples on AM and PM

Question 1: Radhika goes for a jog at 6:30 in the morning. What is the time in 12-hour format?

Solution:

Radhika goes for a jog at 6:30 in the morning.

So, her jogging time is 6:30 A.M.

Practice Problems on AM and PM

1. Mary goes to her dance class at 7:30 in the morning. Her sister, Riya leaves one hour later. Which of the following shows Riya’s leaving time?

6:30 A.M.

8:30 A.M.

6:30 P.M.

8:30 P.M.

2. How will you represent 8:55 P.M. in a 24-hour format?

08:55

16:00

20:00

20:55

Conclusion

AM and PM is an important part when it comes to learning how to read time accurately in a 12-hour clock. Once the kid understands the concept, it's easier for them to be precise and perfect in solving problems.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does am stand for?

Ans: Am stands for ‘Ante Meridiem’.

2. What does pm stand for?

Ans: PM stands for ‘Post Meridiem’.

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Article Author

Madhur Churiwala

Madhur Churiwala is an accomplished English and communicative skills educator with 15 years of experience. She holds a degree of B. ED in English. She started her career as a Fashion Designer but her passion for teaching and interacting with children turned her into a highly skilled educator. Initially she taught in school and then moved onto online teaching platform where she showcased her skills in education. Her way of teaching in fun and playful environment always inspires children to develop a love for learning. Over the years she has developed her passion for writing. As an author, Madhur brings her dedicated educational background to her blogs offering the valuable insights for educators, parents and students alike.

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