2012 JAMB Mathematics Past Questions
The 2012 JAMB Mathematics past questions with answers: 48 objective questions from the 2012 paper in the DeeepSolve question bank, each with its answer behind "Show answer". Try each question before you check, then practise the paper as a timed JAMB-style CBT.
Past questions © the examination body (JAMB/WAEC/NECO). DeeepSolve is not affiliated with them. Rights holders: see /copyright.
Questions
- 1.
Find the median of 2,3,7,3,4,5,8,9,9,4,5,3,4,2,4 and 5
- A.9
- B.8
- C.7
- D.4
Show answer
Answer: D. 4
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- 2.
Evaluate
- A.1
- B.2
- C.3
- D.4
Show answer
Answer: A. 1
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- 3.
In how many ways can the letters of the word TOTALITY be arranged?
- A.6720
- B.6270
- C.6207
- D.6027
Show answer
Answer: A. 6720
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- 4.
Calculate the volume of a cuboid of length 0.76cm, breadth 2.6cm and height 0.82cm.
- A.3.92cm3
- B.2.13cm3
- C.1.97cm3
- D.1.62cm3
Show answer
Answer: D. 1.62cm3
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- 5.
If = , find the value of x
- A.3
- B.4
- C.5
- D.7
Show answer
Answer: C. 5
AI explanation
1. Analyze the Question
We are given an equation involving the determinants of two matrices. We need to calculate the determinant of both sides and solve the resulting linear equation for the unknown variable .
2. Explain the Concept
The determinant of a matrix is calculated using the formula:
This means you multiply the elements of the leading diagonal and subtract the product of the elements of the other diagonal.
3. Show the Solution
Step 1: Calculate the determinant of the left-hand side (LHS).
Step 2: Calculate the determinant of the right-hand side (RHS).
Step 3: Equate the two results and solve for .
Subtract 10 from both sides:
Divide both sides by -3:
4. Identify the Answer
Comparing our result to the given options: A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 7
The correct option is C.
5. Tip
When dealing with determinants, always remember the "cross-multiplication" rule: (Top-Left Bottom-Right) minus (Top-Right Bottom-Left). A common mistake students make is forgetting the minus sign between the two products—don't let that happen to you!
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- 6.
The angles of a polygon are given by x, 2x, 3x, 4x and 5x respectively. Find the value of x.
- A.24o
- B.30o
- C.33o
- D.36o
Show answer
Answer: D. 36o
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- 7.
Find the range of 4,9,6,3,2,8,10 and 11
- A.11
- B.9
- C.8
- D.4
Show answer
Answer: B. 9
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- 8.
Simply
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
AI explanation
To solve this expression, we need to convert the mixed fractions into improper fractions, perform the multiplication, and then divide by the denominator.
1. Analyze the question
We are given the expression:
2. Explain the concept
To work with mixed fractions, follow these steps:
- Convert to improper fractions: Multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator. Place this over the original denominator.
- Multiply fractions: Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.
- Divide fractions: Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal (flipped version) of the second fraction.
3. Show the solution
Step 1: Convert all mixed fractions to improper fractions.
Step 2: Substitute these into the expression.
Step 3: Simplify the numerator.
Step 4: Divide by the denominator. Now we have:
To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal:
Step 5: Reduce the fraction to its simplest form. Divide both the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor, which is 4:
4. Identify the answer
Comparing our result to the given options, we find that matches option C.
5. Exam Tip
When multiplying fractions, always look for common factors in the numerators and denominators to cancel them out before you multiply. For example, in Step 3, you could have cancelled the '3's immediately, leaving you with . This saves time and reduces the risk of calculation errors!
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- 9.
If log3x2 = -8, what is x?
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: D.
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- 10.
If angle is 135o, evaluate cos
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
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- 11.
Solve for x and y in the equations below x2 - y2 = 4 x + y = 2
- A.x = 0, y = -2
- B.x = 0, y = 2
- C.x = 2, y = 0
- D.x = -2, y = 0
Show answer
Answer: C. x = 2, y = 0
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- 12.
The distance between the point (4, 3) and the intersection of y = 2x + 4 and y = 7 - x is
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: B.
AI explanation
1. Analyze the question
We need to find the distance between a fixed point and the point where two lines, and , intersect.
2. Explain the concept
- Intersection of lines: To find the point of intersection, we solve the two equations simultaneously.
- Distance formula: The distance between two points and is given by:
3. Show the solution
Step 1: Find the point of intersection. Set the two equations equal to each other since both are equal to :
Add to both sides:
Subtract 4 from both sides:
Divide by 3:
Now, substitute into either equation to find : The point of intersection is (1, 6).
Step 2: Calculate the distance between (4, 3) and (1, 6). Using the distance formula where and :
Step 3: Simplify the radical.
4. Identify the answer
Comparing our result to the given options, it matches option B.
5. Tip
When solving for the intersection of two lines, always double-check your coordinates by plugging them back into both original equations. If the values satisfy both, you are guaranteed to have the correct point before calculating the distance!
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13.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
- 14.
The shaded region above is represented by the equation
- A.y ≤ 4x + 2
- B.y ≥ 4x + 2
- C.y ≤ -4x + 4
- D.y ≤ 4x + 4
Show answer
Answer: C. y ≤ -4x + 4
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- 15.
Evaluate n+1Cn-2 If n =15
- A.3630
- B.3360
- C.1120
- D.560
Show answer
Answer: D. 560
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- 16.
Make 'n' the subject of the formula if w =
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: A.
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- 17.
A man stands on a tree 150 cm high and sees a boat at an angle of depression of 74°. Find the distance of the boat from the base of the tree.
- A.52 cm
- B.43 cm
- C.40 cm
- D.15 cm
Show answer
Answer: B. 43 cm
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- 18.
The binary operation * is defined on the set of integers such that p * q = pq + p - q. Find 2 * (3 * 4)
- A.11
- B.13
- C.15
- D.22
Show answer
Answer: B. 13
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19.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
- 20.
Find the range of values of m which satisfy (m - 3)(m - 4) < 0
- A.2 < m < 5
- B.-3 < m < 4
- C.3 < m < 4
- D.-4 < m < 3
Show answer
Answer: C. 3 < m < 4
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- 21.
The nth term of a sequence is n2 - 6n - 4. Find the sum of the 3rd and 4th terms.
- A.24
- B.23
- C.-24
- D.-25
Show answer
Answer: D. -25
AI explanation
1. Analyze the question
We are given a formula for the term of a sequence: . We need to find the sum of the 3rd term () and the 4th term ().
2. Explain the concept
To find any specific term in a sequence when given the general formula, we simply substitute the value of (the position of the term) into the expression. Once we calculate and individually, we add them together to get the final result.
3. Show the solution
Step 1: Find the 3rd term () Substitute into the formula :
Step 2: Find the 4th term () Substitute into the formula :
Step 3: Find the sum of the 3rd and 4th terms Sum Sum Sum
4. Identify the answer
Comparing our result to the given options: A. 24 B. 23 C. -24 D. -25
The correct option is D.
5. Tip
When dealing with sequences involving negative numbers, always be careful with your signs during subtraction. A common mistake is to calculate as instead of . Always perform the operations from left to right to stay organized!
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- 22.
The value of y for which is
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
AI explanation
To solve the inequality , follow these steps:
1. Analyze the inequality
We have a linear inequality with fractions. To make the calculation easier, we should eliminate the fractions by multiplying the entire inequality by the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators (5, 5, 2, 5). The LCM is 10.
2. Clear the fractions
Multiply every term on both sides by 10:
Simplify each term:
3. Solve for
Group the terms on one side and the constants on the other. Let's move to the right and to the left:
Simplify:
Now, divide both sides by 3 to isolate :
This can also be written as:
4. Conclusion
Comparing our result to the given options, we find that matches option C.
Exam Tip: When working with inequalities, remember that if you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must flip the inequality sign. In this problem, we kept the coefficients positive by moving terms strategically, which helped us avoid that common pitfall!
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- 23.
A circular arc subtends angle 150° at the centre of a circle of radius 12cm. Calculate the area of the sector of the arc.
- A.30 cm
- B.60 cm
- C.120 cm
- D.150 cm
Show answer
Answer: B. 60 cm
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- 24.
The gradient of the straight line joining the points P(5, -7) and Q(-2, -3) is
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
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- 25.
Find the remainder when 2x3 - 11x2 + 8x - 1 is divided by x + 3
- A.-871
- B.-781
- C.-187
- D.-178
Show answer
Answer: D. -178
AI explanation
1. Analyze the Question
We are asked to find the remainder when the polynomial is divided by the linear factor .
2. Explain the Concept: The Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that if a polynomial is divided by , the remainder is simply .
In this case, we are dividing by . To find the value of , we set the divisor to zero:
Therefore, the remainder is equal to .
3. Show the Solution
Substitute into the polynomial :
Step 1: Substitute -3 for x
Step 2: Evaluate the powers
Step 3: Multiply the terms
Step 4: Combine the values
The remainder is -178.
4. Identify the Answer
Comparing our result to the given options: A. -871 B. -781 C. -187 D. -178
The correct option is D.
5. Exam Tip
When using the Remainder Theorem, be extremely careful with negative signs! Students often make mistakes when squaring or cubing negative numbers. Remember:
- A negative number raised to an even power becomes positive.
- A negative number raised to an odd power remains negative.
- Always write out the substitution clearly in brackets to avoid sign errors.
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26.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
- 27.
If y = x2 - , find
- A.2x -
- B.2x + x2
- C.2x - x2
- D.2x +
Show answer
Answer: D. 2x +
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- 28.
Find the standard deviation of 2,3,8,10 and 12
- A.3.9
- B.4.9
- C.5.9
- D.6.9
Show answer
Answer: A. 3.9
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- 29.
Given that I3 is a unit matrix of order 3, find |I3|
- A.-1
- B.O
- C.1
- D.2
Show answer
Answer: C. 1
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- 30.
Find the equation of the line through the points (-2, 1) and (-, 4)
- A.y = 2x - 3
- B.y = 2x + 5
- C.y = 3x - 2
- D.y = 2x + 1
Show answer
Answer: B. y = 2x + 5
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- 31.
The mean of seven numbers is 96. If an eighth number is added, the mean becomes 112. Find the eighth number.
- A.126
- B.180
- C.216
- D.224
Show answer
Answer: D. 224
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- 32.
Evaluate
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: D.
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- 33.
Find if .
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: B.
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- 34.
If y varies directly as and y = 4 when n = 4, find y when n = 1
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
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- 35.
A man earns N3,500 per month out of which he spends 15% on his children's education. If he spends additional N1,950 on food, how much does he have left?
- A.N525
- B.N1,025
- C.N1,950
- D.N2,975
Show answer
Answer: B. N1,025
AI explanation
Analysis
To solve this problem, we need to calculate the total amount the man spends from his monthly salary and subtract that total from his initial earnings to find the remainder.
Concept
- Percentage Calculation: To find a percentage of a number, multiply the number by the percentage (expressed as a fraction or decimal). • Formula:
- Subtraction: Subtract all expenses from the total income to find the balance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Calculate the amount spent on education. The man spends 15% of N3,500 on his children's education.
Step 2: Calculate the total expenditure. The man also spends N1,950 on food. Add this to the education expense.
Step 3: Calculate the balance left. Subtract the total expenditure from the monthly salary.
Conclusion
After spending 15% on education and N1,950 on food, the man is left with N1,025.
Exam Tip: When dealing with percentage problems in JAMB, always convert the percentage to a decimal first (e.g., 15% = 0.15). This makes multiplication much faster and reduces errors when working with large numbers like 3,500.
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- 36.
In a class of 46 students, 22 play football and 26 play volleyball. If 3 students play both games, how many play neither?
- A.1
- B.2
- C.3
- D.4
Show answer
Answer: A. 1
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- 37.
Simplify
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
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38.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
- 39.
The binary operation on the set of real numbers is defined by m*n = for all m, n R. If the identity element is 2, find the inverse of -5
- A.
- B.
- C.4
- D.5
Show answer
Answer: A.
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- 40.
U is inversely proportional to the cube of V and U = 81 when V = 2. Find U when V = 3
- A.24
- B.27
- C.32
- D.36
Show answer
Answer: A. 24
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- 41.
The probability that a student passes a physics test is . If he takes three physics tests, what is the probability that he passes two of the tests?
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: C.
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- 42.
If 27 9 = 3, find x.
- A.3
- B.4
- C.5
- D.6
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Answer: B. 4
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- 43.
Evaluate to 3 significant figures
- A.2.30
- B.2.31
- C.2.32
- D.2.33
Show answer
Answer: D. 2.33
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- 44.
Convert 112 to a number in base three
- A.2211
- B.2121
- C.1212
- D.1122
Show answer
Answer: D. 1122
AI explanation
1. Analyze the question
We are asked to convert a number given in base six () into base three. Since there is no direct way to convert between base six and base three, we must use Base 10 as an intermediary.
2. Explain the concept
- Step 1: Convert the number from base six to base ten by multiplying each digit by its corresponding power of 6.
- Step 2: Convert the resulting base ten number to base three by using the method of successive division (dividing by 3 and keeping track of the remainders).
3. Show the solution
Step 1: Convert to base 10
Step 2: Convert to base 3 We divide 44 by 3 repeatedly and record the remainders:
- remainder 2
- remainder 2
- remainder 1
- remainder 1
Reading the remainders from the bottom to the top, we get 1122.
4. Identify the answer
Comparing our result () to the given options, it matches option D.
5. Tip
When converting from base 10 to any other base, always remember to read your remainders from the last one obtained (bottom) to the first one obtained (top). A common mistake students make is reading them from top to bottom, which will give you the wrong answer!
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- 45.
The sum to infinity of a geometric progression is and the first term is . Find the common ratio of the progression.
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: B.
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- 46.
The probabilities that a man and his wife live for 80 years are and respectively. Find the probability that at least one of them will live up to 80 years
- A.
- B.
- C.
- D.
Show answer
Answer: D.
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- 47.
If P is a set of all prime factors of 30 and Q is a set of all factors of 18 less than 10, find P Q
- A.{3}
- B.{2,3}
- C.{2,3,5}
- D.{1,2}
Show answer
Answer: B. {2,3}
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- 48.
Find the area of the trapezium above.
- A.91 cm2
- B.78 cm2
- C.60 cm2
- D.19 cm2
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Answer: B. 78 cm2
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