The reflex angle between the hands of a clock at 9.55 is:

Question

The reflex angle between the hands of a clock at 9.55 is:

1. A. 313.5°
2. B. 327.5° (Correct answer)
3. C. 330°
4. D. 325°

Correct Answer

Option B — 327.5°

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 327.5°.

Key Points

• The minute hand at 55 minutes is at 55 × 6° = 330° from the 12 o'clock mark.
• The hour hand at 9:55 is at (9 × 30°) + (55 × 0.5°) = 270° + 27.5° = 297.5°.
• The angle between them = 330° − 297.5° = 32.5°.
• The reflex angle is the larger one: 360° − 32.5° = 327.5°.

Additional Information

• Rates to remember: the minute hand sweeps 6° per minute, the hour hand 0.5° per minute (30° per hour).
• A reflex angle is by definition greater than 180°, so always subtract the acute or obtuse value from 360° at the end.

*Ministry of Papers worked solution. The Commission has not yet published the official key for this paper; this answer will be reconciled with it on release.*