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WAEC WASSCE 2018

WAEC Mathematics 2018 past questions

7 objective questions from the 2018 WAEC Mathematics paper. Answer each one, then reveal the answer and explanation.

All WAEC Mathematics past questions

  1. Question 1

    Quadratic equations

    Solve x² − 5x + 6 = 0.

    1. Option A: x = −2 or −3
    2. Option B: x = 1 or 6
    3. Option C: x = 2 or 3
    4. Option D: x = −1 or 6
    Show the answer to question 1

    Answer: C, x = 2 or 3

    x² − 5x + 6 = (x − 2)(x − 3), so x = 2 or x = 3.

  2. Question 2

    Percentages

    A trader bought a radio for ₦7,000 and sold it for ₦7,350. Find the percentage profit.

    1. Option A: 4.8%
    2. Option B: 10%
    3. Option C: 15%
    4. Option D: 5%
    Show the answer to question 2

    Answer: D, 5%

    Profit = ₦350. Percentage profit = 350 ÷ 7,000 × 100 = 5%.

  3. Question 3

    Mensuration

    Find the area of a circle of radius 14 cm. (Take $\pi = \frac{22}{7}$.)

    1. Option A: 88 cm²
    2. Option B: 1,232 cm²
    3. Option C: 616 cm²
    4. Option D: 44 cm²
    Show the answer to question 3

    Answer: C, 616 cm²

    Area = $\pi r^2$ = 22/7 × 14 × 14 = 616 cm².

  4. Question 4

    Quadratic equations

    Solve the equation $x^2 - 13x + 40 = 0$.

    1. Option A: x = -5 or x = -8
    2. Option B: x = -5 or x = 8
    3. Option C: x = 5 or x = 8
    4. Option D: x = 5 or x = -8
    Show the answer to question 4

    Answer: C, x = 5 or x = 8

    The equation factorises as $(x - 5)(x - 8) = 0$, so x = 5 or x = 8.

  5. Question 5

    Probability

    A bag contains 5 red, 8 blue, and 10 green balls. A ball is picked at random. What is the probability that it is blue?

    1. Option A: $\frac{8}{23}$
    2. Option B: $\frac{5}{23}$
    3. Option C: $\frac{10}{23}$
    4. Option D: $\frac{8}{15}$
    Show the answer to question 5

    Answer: A, $\frac{8}{23}$

    There are 8 blue balls out of 23, so the probability is $\frac{8}{23}$.

  6. Question 6

    Simple interest

    Find the simple interest on ₦35,000 for 2 years at 20% per annum.

    1. Option A: ₦49,000
    2. Option B: ₦7,000
    3. Option C: ₦28,000
    4. Option D: ₦14,000
    Show the answer to question 6

    Answer: D, ₦14,000

    I = PRT ÷ 100 = 35,000 × 20 × 2 ÷ 100 = ₦14,000.

  7. Question 7

    Indices

    Simplify $\frac{x^{6} \times x^{3}}{x^{2}}$.

    1. Option A: $x^{16}$
    2. Option B: $x^{11}$
    3. Option C: $x^{7}$
    4. Option D: $x^{9}$
    Show the answer to question 7

    Answer: C, $x^{7}$

    Add the indices when multiplying and subtract when dividing: 6 + 3 − 2 = 7.

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