JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Commerce 2009
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2009 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A trader bought an article for ₦60,000 and incurred ₦5,000 in transportation costs. If sold for ₦80,000, calculate the percentage profit on the total cost.

A. 23.81%
B. 30%
C. 25%
D. 33.33%
Explanation

Total cost = ₦60,000 + ₦5,000 = ₦65,000. Profit = ₦80,000 - ₦65,000 = ₦15,000. Percentage profit = (₦15,000 / ₦65,000) × 100 = 23.81%.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is the primary role of a consumer cooperative society?

A. Produce goods for profit
B. Eliminate middlemen and provide affordable goods
C. Finance small businesses
D. Invest in industrial projects
Explanation

Consumer cooperatives purchase goods in bulk to bypass middlemen, offering members quality products at reasonable prices.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A company has sales revenue of ₦250,000 and gross profit of ₦100,000. Calculate the cost of goods sold.

A. ₦100,000
B. ₦150,000
C. ₦250,000
D. ₦350,000
Explanation

Cost of goods sold = Sales revenue - Gross profit = ₦250,000 - ₦100,000 = ₦150,000.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a key characteristic of a public warehouse?

A. Specialized for specific goods
B. Privately owned for exclusive use
C. Available to the public for a fee
D. Used for customs-controlled goods
Explanation

Public warehouses provide storage to any individual or business for a fee, catering to diverse needs.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

An exporter sells goods worth £2,000 at ₦600/£1. If the exchange rate becomes ₦620/£1 at payment, calculate the Naira increase in sales value.

A. ₦80,000
B. ₦40,000
C. ₦1,200,000
D. ₦1,240,000
Explanation

Original value = £2,000 × ₦600 = ₦1,200,000. New value = £2,000 × ₦620 = ₦1,240,000. Increase = ₦1,240,000 - ₦1,200,000 = ₦40,000.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a significant advantage of water transport for bulky goods?

A. Door-to-door delivery
B. Low cost per unit weight
C. High speed delivery
D. Minimal damage risk
Explanation

Water transport is cost-effective for bulky goods due to its low cost per unit weight over long distances.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A business has a quick ratio of 0.8:1 and current liabilities of ₦75,000. If inventory is ₦30,000, calculate the liquid assets.

A. ₦45,000
B. ₦60,000
C. ₦93,750
D. ₦30,000
Explanation

Liquid assets = Quick ratio × Current liabilities = 0.8 × ₦75,000 = ₦60,000.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

Calculate the trade discount percentage for goods listed at ₦40,000 sold for ₦36,000.

A. 4%
B. 11.11%
C. 10%
D. 90%
Explanation

Discount = ₦40,000 - ₦36,000 = ₦4,000. Discount percentage = (₦4,000 / ₦40,000) × 100 = 10%.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

An investment of ₦50,000 yields ₦8,000 simple interest over 4 years. What is the annual interest rate?

A. 16%
B. 40%
C. 4%
D. 8%
Explanation

R = I / (PT) = ₦8,000 / (₦50,000 × 4) = 0.04 = 4% per annum.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a key disadvantage of a sole proprietorship?

A. Retention of all profits
B. Ease of formation
C. Limited access to capital
D. Direct owner control
Explanation

Sole proprietorships rely on the owner’s funds, limiting capital for growth.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A cheque is a negotiable instrument that is a:

A. Receipt for goods
B. Ownership certificate
C. Conditional payment order
D. Written promise to pay
Explanation

A cheque orders a bank to pay a specific sum from the drawer’s account to the payee.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

An insurance policy has an annual premium of ₦4,800. With monthly payments and a 2% surcharge per month, calculate the total annual cost.

A. ₦4,896
B. ₦5,856
C. ₦4,992
D. ₦5,760
Explanation

Monthly premium = ₦4,800 / 12 = ₦400. Surcharge = 2% of ₦400 = ₦8. Monthly cost = ₦408. Annual cost = ₦408 × 12 = ₦5,856.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a benefit of informative advertising?

A. Encourages impulsive buying
B. Aids informed purchase decisions
C. Builds emotional connections
D. Enhances long-term brand image
Explanation

Informative advertising provides product details, enabling informed consumer decisions.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A company has total liabilities of ₦200,000 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.4:1. Calculate the owner’s equity.

A. ₦400,000
B. ₦80,000
C. ₦500,000
D. ₦300,000
Explanation

Equity = Total liabilities / Debt-to-equity ratio = ₦200,000 / 0.4 = ₦500,000.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

Which management function involves monitoring and corrective action?

A. Leading
B. Planning
C. Controlling
D. Organizing
Explanation

Controlling monitors performance and takes corrective action to meet goals.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A retailer buys goods for ₦180 and sells at a 30% markup on cost. What is the selling price?

A. ₦126
B. ₦234
C. ₦210
D. ₦54
Explanation

Markup = 0.3 × ₦180 = ₦54. Selling price = ₦180 + ₦54 = ₦234.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a common reason for small business failure?

A. Strong management
B. Poor financial management
C. Effective marketing
D. Overcapitalization
Explanation

Poor financial management, like inadequate budgeting, often leads to small business failure.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A business has sales of ₦600,000, cost of goods sold of ₦250,000, and operating profit of ₦150,000. Calculate operating expenses.

A. ₦100,000
B. ₦200,000
C. ₦400,000
D. ₦50,000
Explanation

Gross profit = ₦600,000 - ₦250,000 = ₦350,000. Operating expenses = Gross profit - Operating profit = ₦350,000 - ₦150,000 = ₦200,000.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a primary objective of fiscal policy?

A. Regulate commercial banks
B. Influence aggregate demand
C. Control exchange rates
D. Promote international trade
Explanation

Fiscal policy uses spending and taxation to influence aggregate demand, stabilizing the economy.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

An item costs ₦500 with an 8% inflation rate over 2 years. What is its approximate cost after 2 years?

A. ₦540
B. ₦580
C. ₦583.20
D. ₦600
Explanation

Future price = ₦500 × (1.08)^2 = ₦500 × 1.1664 = ₦583.20.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a benefit of specialization in international trade?

A. Increased domestic reliance
B. Efficient resource allocation
C. Higher consumer prices
D. Reduced interdependence
Explanation

Specialization enables countries to produce efficiently, optimizing global resources.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A ₦50 per unit tariff is imposed on 10,000 imported units. Calculate the total tariff revenue.

A. ₦5,000
B. ₦50,000
C. ₦500,000
D. ₦500
Explanation

Total tariff = ₦50 × 10,000 = ₦500,000.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A business has a cost of goods sold of ₦240,000 and a stock turnover rate of 6. Calculate the average stock.

A. ₦30,000
B. ₦40,000
C. ₦60,000
D. ₦1,440,000
Explanation

Average stock = Cost of goods sold / Stock turnover = ₦240,000 / 6 = ₦40,000.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a key aspect of environmental sustainability in business?

A. Prioritizing economic growth
B. Minimizing environmental impact
C. Maximizing short-term profits
D. Ignoring resource depletion
Explanation

Sustainability involves reducing environmental harm, such as waste and resource depletion.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

Which consumer action demonstrates the right to be heard?

A. Ignoring safety warnings
B. Providing product feedback
C. Buying without terms review
D. Choosing based on price
Explanation

Providing feedback, like reporting faults, exercises the right to be heard.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A business sells 150 units at ₦80 per unit with a total cost of ₦9,000. Calculate the profit per unit.

A. ₦15
B. ₦20
C. ₦60
D. ₦12,000
Explanation

Revenue = 150 × ₦80 = ₦12,000. Profit = ₦12,000 - ₦9,000 = ₦3,000. Profit per unit = ₦3,000 / 150 = ₦15.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is an advantage of using secondary market research?

A. Always up-to-date data
B. Less expensive and time-consuming
C. Tailored to specific problems
D. Direct control over data collection
Explanation

Secondary research uses existing data, making it less costly and faster than primary research.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A company aims for a 20% profit margin on selling price. If a product’s cost is ₦160, what is the selling price?

A. ₦200
B. ₦128
C. ₦192
D. ₦32
Explanation

Let selling price = S. Profit = 0.2S. Cost = 0.8S = ₦160. S = ₦160 / 0.8 = ₦200.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

Calculate the gross profit margin if sales revenue is ₦400,000 and cost of goods sold is ₦280,000.

A. 120%
B. 30%
C. 70%
D. 42.86%
Explanation

Gross profit = ₦400,000 - ₦280,000 = ₦120,000. Gross profit margin = (₦120,000 / ₦400,000) × 100 = 30%.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a disadvantage of pipeline transportation?

A. Slow transportation speed
B. Limited route and product flexibility
C. High costs for large volumes
D. Unsuitable for liquids and gases
Explanation

Pipelines are fixed and designed for specific products, limiting flexibility in routes and goods.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A company issues 2,000 ordinary shares at ₦50 par value, with a market price of ₦75. What is the total market capitalization?

A. ₦75,000
B. ₦100,000
C. ₦150,000
D. ₦4,000
Explanation

Market capitalization = 2,000 × ₦75 = ₦150,000.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a key function of a bill of exchange?

A. Long-term investment instrument
B. Receipt for purchased goods
C. Ownership of goods in transit
D. Facilitates credit and short-term financing
Explanation

A bill of exchange orders payment at a future date, aiding credit and financing.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A retailer imports goods worth $5,000 at ₦700/$1 with a 10% customs duty. Calculate the total cost in Naira.

A. ₦3,500,000
B. ₦3,850,000
C. ₦3,200,000
D. ₦4,000,000
Explanation

Cost = $5,000 × ₦700 = ₦3,500,000. Duty = 10% of ₦3,500,000 = ₦350,000. Total = ₦3,500,000 + ₦350,000 = ₦3,850,000.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a characteristic of effective sales promotion?

A. Builds consistent brand image
B. Encourages immediate purchases
C. Fosters long-term loyalty
D. Reaches broad audiences over time
Explanation

Sales promotion offers incentives, like discounts, to prompt immediate buying.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A business invests ₦200,000 at 5% compound interest per annum. Calculate the total amount after 3 years.

A. ₦231,525
B. ₦220,000
C. ₦215,000
D. ₦240,000
Explanation

A = ₦200,000 × (1.05)^3 = ₦200,000 × 1.157625 = ₦231,525.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a key element of the leading function of management?

A. Designing organizational structure
B. Motivating and directing employees
C. Setting organizational goals
D. Monitoring performance
Explanation

Leading involves motivating and directing employees to achieve goals.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

A business has sales of ₦500,000, with cost of goods sold at 60% of sales. Calculate the gross profit.

A. ₦120,000
B. ₦200,000
C. ₦300,000
D. ₦800,000
Explanation

Cost of goods sold = 0.6 × ₦500,000 = ₦300,000. Gross profit = ₦500,000 - ₦300,000 = ₦200,000.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a potential effect of currency devaluation?

A. Cheaper imports
B. Increased consumer purchasing power
C. More expensive exports
D. More competitive exports
Explanation

Devaluation lowers currency value, making exports cheaper and more competitive.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

An e-commerce platform has monthly sales of ₦1,200,000 and a 15% net profit margin. Calculate the net profit.

A. ₦180,000
B. ₦1,020,000
C. ₦150,000
D. ₦200,000
Explanation

Net profit = (15% × ₦1,200,000) / 100 = ₦180,000.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Commerce · 2009

What is a feature of an oligopolistic market?

A. Many small firms
B. Significant market power and interdependence
C. Price-taking firms
D. Free market entry
Explanation

Oligopolies have few large firms with market power, making interdependent decisions.

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