Between 5 and 6, a lady looked at her watch and mistaking the hour hand for the minute hand, she thought that the time was 57 minutes earlier than the correct time. The correct time was
(a)12 minutes past 5
(b)24 minutes past 5
(c)36 minutes past 5
(d)48 minutes past 5
Answer
Answer (as printed): B
Explanation
Since the time read by the lady was 57 minutes earlier than the correct time, so the minute hand is (60-57) = 3 minute spaces behind the hour hand. Now, at 5 o'clock, the minute hand is 25 minute spaces behind the hour hand. To be 3 minute spaces behind, it must gain $(25-3)=22$ minute spaces. 55 min spaces are gained in 60 min. 22 min spaces are gained in $\left(\frac{60}{55} \times 22\right)=24 \mathrm{min}$. Hence, the correct time was 24 minutes past 5.