After analyzing the text, I can conclude the correct time is 03:15. Here's my step-by-step thought process: 1. The clock shows 3:45 2. It's mentioned that the clock is 15 minutes slow 3. Subtract 15 minutes from 3:45 3:45 - 0:15 = 3:30 4. However, the text also states "it's a quarter past an hour" 5. A quarter past the hour is 15 minutes past the hour 6. The closest time to 3:30 that is "a quarter past an hour" would be 3:15 Therefore, the actual time is 3:15.