JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Commerce 2003
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2003 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A retailer sells an item for N280, making a profit of 30% on the cost price. Calculate the cost price of the item.

A. N196
B. N224
C. N215.38
D. N200
Explanation

Let cost price = C. Selling price = C + 0.3C = 1.3C. Given 1.3C = N280, C = N280 / 1.3 = N215.38.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following insurance principles prevents the insured from making a profit from a loss?

A. Subrogation
B. Indemnity
C. Contribution
D. Utmost good faith
Explanation

The principle of indemnity ensures the insured is compensated only for the actual loss, preventing profit from a loss.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company purchases goods worth N200,000 and receives a trade discount of 10%. If a further cash discount of 2% is offered for payment within 10 days, calculate the amount paid with the cash discount.

A. N176,400
B. N180,000
C. N196,000
D. N184,000
Explanation

Trade discount = 10% of N200,000 = N20,000. Price after trade discount = N200,000 - N20,000 = N180,000. Cash discount = 2% of N180,000 = N3,600. Amount paid = N180,000 - N3,600 = N176,400.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a primary objective of a development finance institution?

A. To regulate the activities of the stock exchange
B. To compete directly with commercial banks in retail lending
C. To provide financial support for economic and social development projects
D. To maximize short-term profits for shareholders
Explanation

Development finance institutions provide financial support for economic and social development projects, such as infrastructure and poverty reduction.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

An importer buys goods worth $5,000 at an exchange rate of N500/$1. If the Naira depreciates by 4% by the time of payment, calculate the new cost in Naira.

A. N2,600,000
B. N2,500,000
C. N2,400,000
D. N2,300,000
Explanation

Original cost = $5,000 × N500 = N2,500,000. New exchange rate after 4% depreciation = N500 × 1.04 = N520. New cost = $5,000 × N520 = N2,600,000.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a characteristic of a bonded warehouse?

A. Goods are stored duty-free until customs duties are paid
B. Goods are stored for immediate sale to the public
C. Goods are stored under the ownership of the transporting company
D. Goods are stored for a short period before onward transportation
Explanation

A bonded warehouse stores goods duty-free until customs duties are paid, allowing importers to defer tax payments.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company has current assets of N200,000, including inventory of N50,000, and current liabilities of N100,000. Calculate the quick ratio.

A. 1.5:1
B. 2.0:1
C. 1.0:1
D. 0.5:1
Explanation

Quick assets = Current assets - Inventory = N200,000 - N50,000 = N150,000. Quick ratio = Quick assets / Current liabilities = N150,000 / N100,000 = 1.5:1.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A consignment of goods is transported by rail over a distance of 500 km at a cost of N5 per tonne-km. If the consignment weighs 20 tonnes, what is the total transportation cost?

A. N5,000
B. N50,000
C. N10,000
D. N100,000
Explanation

Total distance = 500 km, weight = 20 tonnes, cost = N5 per tonne-km. Total cost = 500 × 20 × N5 = N50,000.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

An investor deposits N25,000 in a fixed deposit account earning compound interest at a rate of 10% per annum. What will be the total amount after 3 years?

A. N30,000
B. N33,275
C. N32,500
D. N30,250
Explanation

Compound interest formula: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt). P = N25,000, r = 0.1, n = 1, t = 3. A = N25,000 × (1.1)^3 = N25,000 × 1.331 = N33,275.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is the most significant disadvantage of a public corporation?

A. Limited access to capital
B. Lack of public accountability
C. Potential for political interference
D. Difficulty in raising funds through share issuance
Explanation

Public corporations often face political interference, hindering efficient management and decision-making.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A holder of a bill of exchange endorses it to another party. This action:

A. Discharges the original debt
B. Guarantees payment by the endorser
C. Transfers the right to receive payment to the endorsee
D. Makes the bill non-negotiable
Explanation

Endorsing a bill of exchange transfers the right to receive payment to the endorsee, making them the new payee.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

An insurance policy has a sum insured of N100,000 and a deductible of N5,000. If a loss of N80,000 occurs, how much will the insurer pay?

A. N75,000
B. N80,000
C. N95,000
D. N100,000
Explanation

Claimable amount = Loss - Deductible = N80,000 - N5,000 = N75,000. The insurer pays N75,000, as it is within the sum insured.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is an unethical marketing practice?

A. Offering discounts to loyal customers
B. Using subliminal advertising to manipulate consumers
C. Providing accurate product information
D. Conducting market research to understand consumer needs
Explanation

Subliminal advertising manipulates consumers unconsciously, violating ethical marketing standards.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company has total assets of N800,000 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5:1. Calculate the total liabilities.

A. N533,333
B. N400,000
C. N266,667
D. N200,000
Explanation

Debt-to-equity ratio = Liabilities / Equity = 0.5. Total assets = Liabilities + Equity = N800,000. Let Liabilities = L, Equity = 2L. Then, L + 2L = N800,000, 3L = N800,000, L = N266,667.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which management principle emphasizes a clear chain of command from the top to the bottom of the organization?

A. Scalar chain
B. Unity of command
C. Centralization
D. Division of labor
Explanation

The scalar chain principle emphasizes a clear chain of command for effective communication and authority.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company imports 200 units of a product valued at N10,000 per unit. If a tariff of 10% ad valorem is applied, calculate the total tariff payable.

A. N200,000
B. N300,000
C. N150,000
D. N250,000
Explanation

Total value = 200 × N10,000 = N2,000,000. Ad valorem tariff = 10% of N2,000,000 = N200,000.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a major challenge for small businesses in a highly competitive market?

A. Limited resources and bargaining power
B. Easy access to large-scale financing
C. Established brand recognition
D. Abundant availability of skilled labor
Explanation

Small businesses face limited resources and bargaining power, making competition with larger firms difficult.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company has sales of N750,000, cost of goods sold of N300,000, operating expenses of N180,000, and interest revenue of N10,000. Calculate the net profit before tax.

A. N260,000
B. N280,000
C. N270,000
D. N250,000
Explanation

Gross profit = Sales - Cost of goods sold = N750,000 - N300,000 = N450,000. Net profit before tax = Gross profit - Operating expenses + Interest revenue = N450,000 - N180,000 + N10,000 = N280,000.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a tool used by the central bank to influence interest rates?

A. Lowering tax rates
B. Adjusting the discount rate
C. Increasing government expenditure
D. Imposing trade tariffs
Explanation

The central bank adjusts the discount rate to influence interest rates, affecting borrowing costs and money supply.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

If the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases from 150 to 165 over a year, what is the percentage rate of inflation?

A. 15%
B. 9.09%
C. 10%
D. 165%
Explanation

Inflation rate = [(New CPI - Old CPI) / Old CPI] × 100 = [(165 - 150) / 150] × 100 = (15 / 150) × 100 = 10%.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of international trade for domestic industries?

A. Higher prices for consumers
B. Increased competition leading to potential job losses
C. Reduced efficiency due to lack of foreign expertise
D. Limited access to new technologies
Explanation

International trade can increase competition, leading to job losses in domestic industries unable to compete.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A business has an opening stock of N100,000, purchases of N300,000, and cost of goods sold of N320,000. Calculate the closing stock.

A. N80,000
B. N120,000
C. N60,000
D. N100,000
Explanation

Closing stock = Opening stock + Purchases - Cost of goods sold = N100,000 + N300,000 - N320,000 = N80,000.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable development?

A. Balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations
B. Prioritizing economic growth at all costs
C. Ignoring the environmental impact of economic activities
D. Focusing solely on meeting the needs of the present generation
Explanation

Sustainable development balances economic, social, and environmental considerations for present and future needs.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following actions demonstrates a consumer exercising their right to redress?

A. Joining a consumer advocacy group to complain about a faulty product
B. Choosing the cheapest available product
C. Ignoring product safety warnings
D. Purchasing goods without reading the terms and conditions
Explanation

Exercising the right to redress involves seeking resolution for issues like faulty products through advocacy groups.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

In which market structure do firms typically engage in non-price competition?

A. Oligopoly
B. Perfect competition
C. Monopolistic competition
D. Monopoly
Explanation

Monopolistic competition involves non-price competition, like advertising, to differentiate products.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company conducts a market survey and finds that 60% of 500 respondents are aware of their brand. Of those aware, 70% have tried the product. How many respondents have tried the product?

A. 300
B. 210
C. 350
D. 150
Explanation

Brand-aware respondents = 60% of 500 = 0.6 × 500 = 300. Tried product = 70% of 300 = 0.7 × 300 = 210.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a key objective of sales promotion?

A. Creating awareness about a product
B. Stimulating immediate sales
C. Enhancing public relations
D. Building long-term brand image
Explanation

Sales promotion stimulates immediate sales through short-term incentives like discounts.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A product costs N150 to produce. If a retailer applies a markup of 40% on the selling price, what is the selling price?

A. N210
B. N90
C. N250
D. N270
Explanation

Let selling price = S. Markup = 0.4S. Cost price = S - 0.4S = 0.6S. Given cost price = N150, 0.6S = N150, S = N150 / 0.6 = N250.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A warehouse has an opening inventory of 1,200 units. During the month, 3,500 units are received, and 2,800 units are issued. What is the closing inventory?

A. 4,700 units
B. 500 units
C. 1,900 units
D. 700 units
Explanation

Closing inventory = Opening inventory + Receipts - Issues = 1,200 + 3,500 - 2,800 = 1,900 units.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a major limitation of pipeline transportation?

A. High operational costs for maintenance
B. Inability to provide door-to-door service
C. Limited variety of goods that can be transported
D. Susceptibility to traffic congestion
Explanation

Pipeline transportation is limited to specific goods like oil and gas, reducing its versatility.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A company issues 2,500 ordinary shares at a premium of N15 per share. If the par value is N50, what is the total amount raised from the share issue?

A. N37,500
B. N125,000
C. N162,500
D. N87,500
Explanation

Issue price per share = Par value + Premium = N50 + N15 = N65. Total amount raised = 2,500 × N65 = N162,500.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a key difference between a bill of exchange and a promissory note?

A. The number of parties involved
B. Their use in international trade
C. The requirement for acceptance
D. Their negotiability
Explanation

A bill of exchange requires acceptance by the drawee, while a promissory note is a direct promise to pay, not requiring acceptance.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

An insurance policy has a deductible of N10,000 and covers a loss of N60,000. If the actual loss incurred is N75,000, how much will the insurer pay?

A. N65,000
B. N50,000
C. N75,000
D. N60,000
Explanation

Claimable = N75,000 - N10,000 = N65,000, but capped at policy limit of N60,000.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a key objective of public relations?

A. To manage and enhance the organization's reputation
B. To offer short-term incentives to boost sales
C. To control the flow of information about competitors
D. To directly persuade consumers to purchase goods
Explanation

Public relations manages and enhances an organization’s reputation through strategic communication.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A business has total fixed costs of N50,000 and a variable cost per unit of N80. If it produces 1,000 units, what is the total cost?

A. N30,000
B. N80,000
C. N50,000
D. N130,000
Explanation

Total cost = Fixed costs + (Variable cost per unit × Units) = N50,000 + (N80 × 1,000) = N50,000 + N80,000 = N130,000.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a key advantage of e-commerce for retailers?

A. High setup costs for physical stores
B. Limited market reach
C. Ability to reach a global customer base
D. Increased reliance on physical inventory
Explanation

E-commerce allows retailers to reach a global customer base, expanding market opportunities beyond physical locations.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

A business has fixed costs of N60,000, a selling price per unit of N200, and variable costs per unit of N120. What is the break-even point in units?

A. 500 units
B. 750 units
C. 600 units
D. 800 units
Explanation

Contribution margin per unit = Selling price - Variable cost = N200 - N120 = N80. Break-even point = Fixed costs / Contribution margin = N60,000 / N80 = 750 units.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a key feature of a cooperative society?

A. Profit maximization for shareholders
B. Democratic control by members
C. Restricted membership to elites
D. Centralized decision-making by a board
Explanation

Cooperative societies feature democratic control, with members having equal voting rights regardless of investment.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a component of a country’s balance of payments?

A. Government budget deficit
B. Domestic inflation rate
C. Capital account transactions
D. Consumer price index
Explanation

The balance of payments includes the capital account, which records capital transfers and investments.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2003

Which of the following is a benefit of corporate social responsibility for a business?

A. Increased operational costs without benefits
B. Reduced customer loyalty
C. Enhanced brand reputation and customer trust
D. Decreased employee morale
Explanation

Corporate social responsibility enhances brand reputation and customer trust by demonstrating ethical and social commitment.

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