Final answer:
If we reach the point before reaching 15 seconds, it means we're looking at a time period that is less than 15 seconds in the future.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining how many seconds ahead we are looking, if we reach the point before reaching 15 seconds, it means that we are looking at a time period that is less than 15 seconds in the future.
For example, if we're timing a race and the finish line is at 15 seconds, but we stop the stopwatch before reaching that time, it means we're looking at a time period before the finish line.
This could happen if the race is interrupted or if the stopwatch is stopped early for some reason.