the conductor looked at his pocket watch to see what time the train would be leaving. it read 8:37 pm. if it takes the polar express 3 hours and 15 minutes to get to the north pole, what time will it be when it arrives?

8:37 + 3:15 = 11:52 p.m.

8 + 3 = 11

37 + 15 = 52

so 11:52 pm

To determine the arrival time of the Polar Express at the North Pole, we need to add the travel time to the current time. Let's break it down step by step:

1. Note the current time: The conductor looked at his pocket watch, and it read 8:37 pm.

2. Determine the travel time: The Polar Express takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to get to the North Pole.

3. Add the travel time to the current time: To find the arrival time, add 3 hours and 15 minutes to 8:37 pm.

To perform this addition correctly, we need to convert the time to a standardized format. Standard time typically uses a 12-hour clock system.

Here's how you can calculate the arrival time:

1. Convert the current time (8:37 pm) to a 24-hour clock format:
- To convert from a 12-hour clock, add 12 to the number if it's in the afternoon or evening. Since 8:37 pm is in the evening, we add 12 to the hour:
8 pm + 12 = 20:37.

2. Add the travel time of 3 hours and 15 minutes to the converted current time:
- Add 3 hours to 20:37: 20:37 + 3:00 = 23:37.
- Add 15 minutes to 23:37: 23:37 + 0:15 = 23:52.

Therefore, the Polar Express will arrive at the North Pole at 11:52 pm (23:52) based on the current time of 8:37 pm.