When we talk about how we keep track of time, there are two main ways to show it: the 12-hour and 24-hour formats. It's good to know how they work, especially when figuring out how long something takes.

Key Differences:

1. Format:

   • The 12-hour format splits the day into two sections: AM and PM.
     • AM is from midnight to just before noon.
     • PM is from noon to just before midnight.
     • For example, 1:00 PM in the 12-hour format is written as 13:00 in the 24-hour format.
   • The 24-hour format counts the hours from 00:00 (midnight) up to 23:59.
     • So, 5:00 PM would be shown as 17:00.

2. Usage:

   • The 12-hour format is used in daily life, like when we say, "The meeting is at 3 PM."
   • The 24-hour format is often seen in train and bus timetables, schedules, and in the military to avoid any mix-ups.

Examples:

• If a train leaves at 14:30, that means it leaves at 2:30 PM in the 12-hour format.
• If a movie schedule shows 18:45, it means the film starts at 6:45 PM.

Calculating Time Intervals:

Knowing how these formats work helps us figure out how long things take. For example:

• If a train leaves at 17:00 and gets to its destination at 19:30, the trip lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • You can find this by subtracting: 19:30 - 17:00 = 2 hours and 30 minutes.

By understanding these differences, you’ll find it easier to read schedules and know how long events last!