Time & timetables
Timetables and time intervals
A timetable tells you when things happen. By reading it carefully and working out time intervals, you can plan a journey and be sure you arrive on time.
Reading a timetable
A timetable lists times in rows and columns, such as when a coach reaches each stop. Find the row for the place and the column for the service, then read off the time. This helps you catch a train, bus or coach and not miss it.
Working out a time interval
A time interval is how long something lasts. To find it, count on from the start time to the end time. From 09:09 to 09:45 is 36 minutes. You can use a time line, counting on in useful jumps such as minutes or hours.
Adding up the parts
For a journey with stops, you can add the time between each stop, or work out the time straight from the start to the end. On the 09:09 coach, 15 minutes (Anbury to Babury) + 21 minutes (Babury to Corbury) = 36 minutes.
Choosing the right unit
Choose a suitable unit for the time interval. Use minutes for short times, hours for a day out, and years for long periods. The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, so by 2020 it had been open 2020 − 1937 = 83 years.
Worked examples
Which coach is quicker
- The 09:09 coach reaches Corbury at 09:45: that is 36 minutes.
- The 10:10 coach reaches Corbury at 10:48: that is 38 minutes.
- Compare 36 minutes and 38 minutes.
Answer: The 09:09 coach takes the shorter time.
How long open
- The pool opens at 8.00 a.m. and closes at 6.00 p.m.
- Count on from 8.00 a.m. to 12 midday: that is 4 hours.
- Then 12 midday to 6.00 p.m. is 6 more hours.
Answer: The pool is open for 10 hours.
A bus journey
- The 13:02 bus leaves Dondale.
- It reaches Bodmin at 13:53.
- Count on from 13:02 to 13:53.
Answer: The journey takes 51 minutes.
How many years
- The bridge opened in 1937.
- Jyoti visits in 2020.
- Find the interval: 2020 − 1937.
Answer: The bridge had been open 83 years.
Where you see this in real life
- Reading a bus timetable to catch the right bus.
- Working out how long you can stay at a museum before it closes.
- Planning a journey so you arrive before a train leaves.
Key words
- Timetable
- A table showing the times things happen, such as buses at each stop.
- Time interval
- How long something lasts, from the start time to the end time.
- Calendar
- A chart of the days, weeks and months of the year.
- Leap year
- A year with an extra day, 29 February, giving 366 days.