Q. At what angle the hands of a clock are inclined when it is half past 8 ?
a) 70°
b) 60°
c) 80°
d) 75°
Correct Answer: d) 75°
Question from UPPSC Prelims CSAT 2025
Explanation:
Time = 8:30.
– Minute hand at 30 minutes: 30 × 6 = 180° from 12.
– Hour hand at 8:30: 8 × 30 + 30 × 0.5 = 240 + 15 = 255° from 12.
Angle between them = |255 − 180| = 75° (smaller angle).
Alternatively, use formula: angle = |30H − 5.5M| = |30×8 − 5.5×30| = |240 − 165| = 75°.
Hence, 75°.