Read clocks to the minute

Answer: 8:45

1. The long hand shows 45 minutes past the hour.
2. The short hand has moved past 8 towards 9, so the time is 8:45.

Answer: 5:50

1. The long hand shows 50 minutes past the hour.
2. The short hand has moved past 5 towards 6, so the time is 5:50.

Answer: 20

1. The next hour begins at 60 minutes past the current hour.
2. 60−40=20 minutes until 3 o'clock.