JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Economics 2022
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2022 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

In a mixed economy, resource allocation is determined by

A. Government policies only
B. Market forces only
C. Both government and market forces
D. Labour unions
Explanation

A mixed economy combines government intervention and market forces to allocate resources, balancing central planning with supply and demand.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

In a market economy, the basic economic problem of what to produce is solved by

A. Consumer preferences
B. Government directives
C. Producer cartels
D. Central planning
Explanation

Consumer demand and preferences guide firms on what to produce in a market economy, as firms aim to meet market needs to maximize profits.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The measure of dispersion that shows the average deviation from the mean is

A. Range
B. Variance
C. Standard deviation
D. Mean deviation
Explanation

Mean deviation measures the average absolute deviation of data points from the mean, providing a straightforward measure of dispersion.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

If the variance of a dataset is 16, what is the standard deviation?

A. 4
B. 8
C. 2
D. 16
Explanation

Standard deviation is the square root of variance: √16 = 4.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A leftward shift in the supply curve of a commodity is caused by

A. A decrease in production costs
B. An increase in the price of inputs
C. Improved technology
D. A fall in taxes
Explanation

Higher input prices increase production costs, reducing supply and shifting the supply curve leftward.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Given Qd = 50 - 3P and Qs = 5P + 10, what is the equilibrium quantity?

A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 50
Explanation

Set Qd = Qs: 50 - 3P = 5P + 10. Solve: 50 - 10 = 5P + 3P, 40 = 8P, P = 5. Substitute P = 5 into Qs: Q = 5(5) + 10 = 30.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A movement along the demand curve is caused by a change in

A. Consumer income
B. Price of the commodity
C. Population size
D. Taste and preferences
Explanation

A change in the price of the commodity causes a movement along the demand curve, reflecting a change in quantity demanded.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

If a 5% increase in price leads to a 10% decrease in quantity demanded, the elasticity of demand is

A. 0.5
B. 1.0
C. 2.0
D. 0.2
Explanation

Price elasticity of demand = (% change in quantity demanded) / (% change in price) = 10% / 5% = 2.0, indicating elastic demand.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The marginal utility of a commodity diminishes as

A. Its price increases
B. More of it is consumed
C. Income rises
D. Substitutes become cheaper
Explanation

The law of diminishing marginal utility states that as more units of a commodity are consumed, the additional satisfaction (utility) derived from each extra unit decreases.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A consumer’s budget line shifts inward due to

A. An increase in income
B. A decrease in income
C. A fall in commodity prices
D. An increase in preferences
Explanation

A decrease in income reduces purchasing power, shifting the budget line inward as the consumer can afford fewer goods.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

If the supply function is P = 1/5(Qs + 20) and P = ₦12, what is Qs?

A. 40
B. 60
C. 20
D. 80
Explanation

Given P = 12, substitute: 12 = 1/5(Qs + 20). Multiply by 5: 60 = Qs + 20. Solve: Qs = 60 - 20 = 40.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The price elasticity of supply for a commodity is 1.5 when quantity supplied increases from 100 to 130 units. What is the percentage change in price?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 40%
Explanation

% change in quantity supplied = (130 - 100) / 100 = 30%. Elasticity = 1.5 = 30% / % change in price. Solve: % change in price = 30 / 1.5 = 20%.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A price ceiling above the equilibrium price will result in

A. Excess demand
B. Excess supply
C. No effect on the market
D. A new equilibrium
Explanation

A price ceiling set above the equilibrium price is non-binding, as the market naturally settles at the equilibrium, causing no change in market outcomes.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The price mechanism is least effective in

A. A mixed economy
B. A market economy
C. A command economy
D. A capitalist economy
Explanation

In a command economy, prices are set by the government rather than market forces, rendering the price mechanism ineffective.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

In a production process, the marginal product of labour is 10 when 5 units are employed. If total product is 40, what is the total product when 6 units are employed?

A. 48
B. 50
C. 45
D. 60
Explanation

Marginal product is the additional output from one more unit of labour. Total product at 6 units = Total product at 5 units + Marginal product = 40 + 10 = 50.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A firm enjoys economies of scale when

A. Average cost rises with output
B. Average cost falls with output
C. Total cost equals total revenue
D. Marginal cost exceeds average cost
Explanation

Economies of scale occur when average cost decreases as output increases, due to efficiencies like specialization or bulk purchasing.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Specialization in production leads to

A. Increased interdependence
B. Reduced efficiency
C. Higher unemployment
D. Lower productivity
Explanation

Specialization increases efficiency but creates interdependence among workers or firms, as each relies on others for different tasks or goods.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

If a firm’s total variable cost is ₦1,500 and output is 50 units, what is the average variable cost?

A. ₦20
B. ₦30
C. ₦40
D. ₦50
Explanation

Average variable cost = Total variable cost / Output = 1,500 / 50 = ₦30.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Wages and raw material costs are examples of

A. Fixed costs
B. Variable costs
C. Average costs
D. Marginal costs
Explanation

Wages and raw materials vary with output, making them variable costs, unlike fixed costs which remain constant regardless of production levels.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

In perfect competition, a firm maximizes profit when

A. Marginal revenue equals marginal cost
B. Average revenue equals average cost
C. Total revenue equals total cost
D. Marginal cost equals average cost
Explanation

In perfect competition, a firm maximizes profit where marginal revenue equals marginal cost, as this ensures the additional cost of producing one more unit equals the additional revenue gained.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A monopolist can maintain abnormal profits in the long run due to

A. Low production costs
B. Barriers to entry
C. Perfect competition
D. Government subsidies
Explanation

Barriers to entry, such as patents or high startup costs, prevent competitors from entering the market, allowing monopolists to sustain abnormal profits.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A monopolist may practice price discrimination to

A. Reduce output
B. Increase costs
C. Maximize profits
D. Lower demand
Explanation

Price discrimination allows a monopolist to charge different prices to different consumers based on their willingness to pay, thereby maximizing profits.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a closed economy is calculated as

A. Consumption + Investment + Government spending
B. Consumption + Investment + Government spending + Exports
C. Consumption + Investment + Government spending + (Exports - Imports)
D. Consumption + Investment + Exports - Imports
Explanation

In a closed economy with no international trade, GDP is calculated as the sum of consumption (C), investment (I), and government spending (G): GDP = C + I + G.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

If the marginal propensity to save is 0.2 and investment increases by ₦50 million, what is the change in national income?

A. ₦250 million
B. ₦200 million
C. ₦100 million
D. ₦50 million
Explanation

The multiplier = 1 / MPS = 1 / 0.2 = 5. Change in national income = Investment increase × Multiplier = 50 × 5 = ₦250 million.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The transactions demand for money is primarily influenced by

A. Interest rates
B. Income levels
C. Inflation rates
D. Exchange rates
Explanation

The transactions demand for money depends on income levels, as higher income increases the need for money for daily transactions.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Demand-pull inflation is caused by

A. Rising production costs
B. Excess aggregate demand
C. High unemployment
D. Reduced government spending
Explanation

Demand-pull inflation occurs when excess aggregate demand in the economy drives up prices, as consumers compete for limited goods and services.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A major challenge to Nigeria’s financial sector is

A. Over-regulation
B. Lack of technological innovation
C. Excessive loan availability
D. Low interest rates
Explanation

Limited technological innovation hinders efficiency and access in Nigeria’s financial sector, slowing digital banking and financial inclusion.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Long-term financing for industrial projects is typically obtained from the

A. Money market
B. Stock market
C. Commercial banks
D. Capital market
Explanation

The capital market provides long-term funds for industrial projects through instruments like bonds and equity, unlike the short-term focus of the money market.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

If the consumer price index rises from 100 to 120, the inflation rate is

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 15%
D. 25%
Explanation

Inflation rate = [(120 - 100) / 100] × 100 = 20%.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Open market operations by the Central Bank are used to

A. Control money supply
B. Fix exchange rates
C. Impose tariffs
D. Regulate wages
Explanation

Open market operations involve buying or selling government securities to control the money supply, influencing interest rates and economic activity.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A key factor hindering Nigeria’s economic diversification is

A. High agricultural output
B. Reliance on oil exports
C. Excess foreign investment
D. Low population growth
Explanation

Over-reliance on oil exports limits Nigeria’s economic diversification, as it reduces investment in other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A characteristic of a developing economy is

A. High per capita income
B. Low dependency ratio
C. High income inequality
D. Full employment
Explanation

Developing economies often exhibit high income inequality, with wealth concentrated among a small portion of the population.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The primary contribution of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy is

A. Foreign exchange earnings
B. Provision of raw materials
C. Infrastructure development
D. Technological advancement
Explanation

Agriculture provides raw materials for industries, such as cotton for textiles, supporting economic growth and industrial development.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Mechanized farming in Nigeria is limited by

A. Excess labour supply
B. Lack of capital
C. High demand for crops
D. Government subsidies
Explanation

Limited capital restricts investment in mechanized farming equipment, hindering modernization and productivity in Nigerian agriculture.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Industrial concentration in one region may lead to

A. Balanced regional development
B. Environmental degradation
C. Reduced production costs
D. Increased agricultural output
Explanation

Industrial concentration can cause environmental degradation, such as pollution and resource depletion, in the affected region.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

The availability of raw materials is a key determinant for the location of

A. Service industries
B. Retail businesses
C. Manufacturing industries
D. Financial institutions
Explanation

Manufacturing industries are often located near raw materials to reduce transportation costs and improve production efficiency.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Nigeria’s membership in OPEC primarily benefits the country through

A. Increased oil production
B. Stable oil revenue
C. Subsidized fuel prices
D. Foreign direct investment
Explanation

OPEC’s coordination of oil prices helps stabilize Nigeria’s oil revenue, a major source of foreign exchange earnings.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Refining crude oil into petroleum products is an activity in the

A. Upstream sector
B. Midstream sector
C. Downstream sector
D. Export sector
Explanation

Refining crude oil into products like gasoline is part of the downstream sector, which involves processing and distribution.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

A firm’s average fixed cost decreases as

A. Output increases
B. Output decreases
C. Variable costs rise
D. Marginal costs fall
Explanation

Average fixed cost decreases as output increases because fixed costs are spread over a larger number of units.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Economics · 2022

Horizontal integration occurs when a firm

A. Merges with a firm at a different production stage
B. Acquires a firm in the same industry
C. Diversifies into a new industry
D. Reduces its output
Explanation

Horizontal integration involves a firm merging with or acquiring another firm at the same level in the value chain, typically a competitor in the same industry.

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