Question

At what time between 8 and 9 o'clock will the hands of a watch point in opposite direction?

• A. 2 minutes past 8
• B. 8 minutes past 8
• C. 10 minutes past 8
• D. 5 minutes past 8
• E. 13 minutes past 8

Answer 1

The correct option is C

10 minutes past 8

At 8 o'clock, the hands of the watch are 40 minute spaces apart.

To be in opposite directions, they must be 30 minute spaces apart.

$\therefore$Minute hand will have to gain 10 minute spaces with respect to the hour hand.

55 minute spaces are gained in 60 minutes.

10 minute spaces are gained in $\left(\frac{60}{55}\times 10\right)$ minutes = 10$\frac{10}{11}$ minutes

$\therefore$ Required time = $10\frac{10}{11}$min past 8