we know that there is 60 minutes per every 360 degrees. 360/60 = 6 degrees/min we know that there is 12 hours per every 360 degrees. (360/12) = 30 degrees per every hour. so we know the question asks how many degrees between the two hands at 1:15pm. start with minutes, we know its 6 degrees/min * 15 minutes = 90 degrees next deal with the hour hand 30 degrees * 1.25 (hours) = 37.5 degrees. (remember 1PM + 15 Min = 1.25 hours) therefore the answer is 90 degrees-37.5 degrees = 52.5 degrees which confirms the answer from above.