Final answer:
The band, Unit of Measurement, played from 6:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 9:00 a.m. on January 2nd, which totals 39 hours of performance time, or 2,340 minutes when converted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand involves a straightforward calculation of time duration. Unit of Measurement, a band that played genres including 80s rock, punk, and new wave, was booked to perform at a benefit concert on New Year's Eve. They began their performance at 6:00 p.m. on December 31st and continued to play until 9:00 a.m. on January 2nd. To determine how many minutes the band played, we first need to calculate the total time from the start to the end of their performance.
On December 31st, they played from 6:00 p.m. until midnight, which is 6 hours. Then, considering the entire next day (January 1st), which consists of 24 hours, and finally, they played until 9:00 a.m. on January 2nd, which adds 9 hours to the total time.
Summing up, we have 6 + 24 + 9 hours. Converting hours to minutes (since there are 60 minutes in an hour), the calculation would be (6 + 24 + 9) × 60. Performing the arithmetic, it sums up to 39 hours or 2,340 minutes. Therefore, the band played for 2,340 minutes in total.
This exercise demonstrates the practical application of basic arithmetic skills to solve real-life problems involving the calculation of time durations, creating a relevant learning experience for middle school students.