Question

Convert the following military (international) times to traditional times (AM/PM). \(1650=\)

Short answer

1650 in military time is 4:50 PM in traditional time.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Military Time and Basics

Military time, also known as 24-hour time, does not use 'AM' or 'PM' to differentiate between morning and afternoon. The first two digits represent the hour, and the last two digits represent the minutes. In traditional time format, the day is divided into two periods, AM and PM, each lasting 12 hours.

Identify the Given Military Time

The military time given is 1650. The first two digits '16' are the hour and the last two digits '50' are the minutes.

Determine if it is AM or PM

In military time, if the hour is greater than 12, it represents a PM time. Since 16 is greater than 12, the time is in the PM.

Convert the Hour to Traditional PM Format

To convert the military hour (16) to traditional time, subtract 12 from it. Thus, 16 - 12 = 4. Therefore, the hour in traditional PM time is 4.

Keep the Minutes Unchanged

The minutes in military time do not change when converted to traditional time. So, 50 minutes remain 50 minutes.

Combine Hour and Minutes in PM Format

Combine the converted hour and the unchanged minutes into traditional time. The result is 4:50 PM.

Key concepts

Military Time

Military time, also known as the 24-hour clock, is a system of timekeeping used by the military and many other organizations around the world. This format is straightforward as it eliminates confusion between morning and afternoon times. Instead of using "AM" or "PM," this system counts the hours from 00 to 23.
For example:

• 0000 represents midnight
• 1200 represents noon
• 2359 is one minute before midnight

This format is particularly useful in scenarios where clarity and precision are essential, such as in military operations, aviation, and public transportation. The key advantage of military time is its simplicity and uniformity. However, for those used to the traditional format, it might take some getting used to. To adapt, it is helpful to remember that hours greater than 12 represent the PM hours, which is typically the most challenging part of understanding this system.

Traditional Time Format

Traditional time format, known as the 12-hour clock, splits the day into two cycles: AM and PM. Each cycle comprises 12 hours. AM (Ante Meridiem) refers to the time from midnight to noon, while PM (Post Meridiem) covers the time from noon until midnight.
This system is commonly used in many English-speaking countries and is familiar to most people for everyday scheduling. However, it requires an additional AM or PM distinction to specify whether a time occurs in the morning or afternoon. For example:

• 4:00 AM is early morning
• 4:00 PM is late afternoon

While the traditional time format is easy for casual use, it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings without proper AM or PM indications, especially in conversations about times like "12:00." Ensuring the suffix (AM or PM) is stated is crucial for clarity.

24-hour Time

The 24-hour time system is widely used in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, Asia, and public transportation systems worldwide. Unlike the traditional time format that repeats in 12-hour cycles, the 24-hour clock counts hours from 00 to 23.
For instance:

• "1300" in military time is "1:00 PM" in traditional time
• "1630" is "4:30 PM"

This format avoids the potential confusion of determining the correct half of the day, making it more efficient in professional settings. To convert a time from the 24-hour format to the traditional, if the time is greater than 12, you simply subtract 12 from the hour to switch to the AM/PM system, while the minutes remain unchanged. This rule helps to quickly adapt times for various uses.

AM and PM Distinction

The AM and PM distinction is an integral part of the 12-hour clock system. AM stands for "Ante Meridiem," a Latin term meaning "before midday," and PM stands for "Post Meridiem," meaning "after midday." This division helps to identify whether times fall in the first or second half of the day.
Understanding AM and PM is crucial, especially in contexts where the time of day is important, such as scheduling appointments, meetings, and global communications.

• AM times start from 12:00 AM (midnight) to 11:59 AM
• PM times start from 12:00 PM (noon) to 11:59 PM

To avoid confusion, it's always encouraged to specify either AM or PM when expressing times in the 12-hour format. In written and verbal communication, this clarity aids in precise scheduling and avoids misunderstandings.