In this type of problems the formuae is
(5*x+ or - t)*12/11
Here x is replaced by the first interval of given time. Here x is 5.
t is spaces apart
Case 1 : (5*x + t) * 12/11
(5*5 + 3) * 12/11
28 * 12/11 = 336/11=
min
therefore the hands will be 3 min apart at 31 5/11 min past 5.
Case 2 : (5*x - t) * 12/11
(5*5 -3 ) * 12/11
22 *12/11 = 24 min
therefore the hands will be 3 min apart at 24 min past 5
