How do you calculate the start time if the end time is 5:00 PM and the duration is 3 hours?

To calculate the start time, subtract the duration from the end time: 5:00 PM minus 3 hours is 2:00 PM.

To work this out in more detail, you need to understand how to subtract time. The end time given is 5:00 PM, which is in the afternoon. The duration is 3 hours. To find the start time, you simply count backwards from the end time by the duration.

Start at 5:00 PM. If you go back 1 hour, you reach 4:00 PM. Go back another hour, and you reach 3:00 PM. Finally, go back one more hour, and you reach 2:00 PM. Therefore, 5:00 PM minus 3 hours is 2:00 PM.

This method works because time is linear, and subtracting hours is just like subtracting numbers. You can also think of it as moving backwards on a clock. If you find it tricky, you can use a clock face to help visualise the process. Start at the 5 and count backwards three numbers: 4, 3, 2.

Remember, when dealing with time, always ensure you are clear whether you are working in the AM (morning) or PM (afternoon/evening) to avoid confusion. In this case, both the start and end times are in the PM, so the calculation is straightforward.