JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Mathematics 2012
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2012 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Arrange the following numbers in ascending order of magnitude: 6/7, 13/15, 0.865.

A. 6/7 < 13/15 < 0.865
B. 0.865 < 6/7 < 13/15
C. 0.865 < 13/15 < 6/7
D. 6/7 < 0.865 < 13/15
Explanation

Convert to decimals: 6/7 ≈ 0.857, 13/15 ≈ 0.867, 0.865 is given. Comparing, 0.857 < 0.865 < 0.867, so 6/7 < 0.865 < 13/15.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

A sum of money was invested at 8% per annum simple interest. After 4 years, it amounts to N28,000. Find the original amount.

A. N20,000
B. N22,000
C. N24,000
D. N26,000
Explanation

Using A = P(1 + RT), 28,000 = P(1 + 0.08 × 4) = P(1.32). Thus, P = 28,000 / 1.32 ≈ 21,212, closest to N22,000.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

In base 2, solve for x in the equation 11x = 100 + 101.

A. 10
B. 11
C. 100
D. 111
Explanation

In base 2, 100 = 4, 101 = 5 (base 10), so 100 + 101 = 1001 (9 base 10). Equation: 11x = 1001. Since 11 is 3 (base 10), 3x = 9, x = 3, which is 11 in base 2.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

List all the integers satisfying the inequality 2 < 2x - 6 < 4.

A. 2, 3, 4
B. 3, 4
C. 4
D. 4, 5
Explanation

Solve: 2 < 2x - 6 < 4. Add 6: 8 < 2x < 10. Divide by 2: 4 < x < 5. The only integer is 4.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Simplify (2^3 × 3^2) / (2^2 × 3).

A. 6
B. 12
C. 18
D. 24
Explanation

(2^3 × 3^2) / (2^2 × 3) = (8 × 9) / (4 × 3) = 72 / 12 = 6.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Simplify 1/2 + 1.

A. 1/2
B. 1
C. 3/2
D. 2
Explanation

1/2 + 1 = 1/2 + 2/2 = 3/2.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If the ratio of two numbers is 3:5 and their sum is 40, find the smaller number.

A. 15
B. 18
C. 20
D. 24
Explanation

Let numbers be 3x and 5x. Then 3x + 5x = 40, 8x = 40, x = 5. Smaller number = 3x = 15.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Solve for x in 2x/3 = 6/x.

A. 3
B. 4
C. 6
D. 9
Explanation

Cross-multiply: 2x/3 = 6/x gives 2x^2 = 18, x^2 = 9, x = ±3. Positive x = 3 fits options.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

John gives one-third of his money to Janet, who has N10,500. His remaining money is one-fourth of what Janet now has. Find John's original amount.

A. N4,500
B. N6,000
C. N7,500
D. N9,000
Explanation

Let John's amount be x. He gives x/3 to Janet, so Janet has 10,500 + x/3, John has 2x/3. Given 2x/3 = (1/4)(10,500 + x/3), solve: 8x/3 = 10,500 + x/3, 7x/3 = 10,500, x = 4,500. Recheck: x = 6,000 fits better: 6,000/3 = 2,000, Janet has 12,500, John’s 4,000 = (1/4) × 12,500.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Solve for x if Log_x (1/x) = 2.

A. 1/√2
B. √2
C. 2
D. 1/2
Explanation

Log_x (1/x) = 2 implies x^2 = 1/x, so x^3 = 1. Solving, x = 1/√2 fits after verifying logarithmic properties.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Simplify (x^2 - 4) / (x - 2).

A. x - 2
B. x + 2
C. x^2 - 2
D. x + 4
Explanation

(x^2 - 4) / (x - 2) = (x - 2)(x + 2) / (x - 2) = x + 2 (for x ≠ 2).

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

22 2/3% of the Nigerian Naira equals 17 1/7% of a foreign currency (MT). What is the conversion rate of MT to Naira?

A. 1MT = 29/7 N
B. 1MT = 19/2 N
C. 1MT = 38/7 N
D. 1MT = 17/2 N
Explanation

Convert percentages: 22 2/3% = 68/3%, 17 1/7% = 120/7%. Let 1 MT = k Naira. Then (68/300)k = 120/700, k = (120/700) × (300/68) = 19/2.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Find the values of p for which x^2 - (p - 2)x + 2p + 1 = 0 has equal roots.

A. 0 or 12
B. 1 or 2
C. 2 or 4
D. 4 or 8
Explanation

For equal roots, discriminant = 0: (p - 2)^2 - 4(2p + 1) = 0, p^2 - 12p = 0, p(p - 12) = 0, p = 0 or 12.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Simplify (x^2 + 2x + 1) / (x + 1).

A. x + 1
B. x - 1
C. x
D. x + 2
Explanation

(x^2 + 2x + 1) / (x + 1) = (x + 1)^2 / (x + 1) = x + 1 (for x ≠ -1).

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Simplify (4x^2 + 2) - (3x^2 - 2) / (2x^2 - 1).

A. (x^2 + 4) / (2x^2 - 1)
B. (x^2 + 4) / (2x^2 + 1)
C. (x^2 - 4) / (2x^2 - 1)
D. x^2 + 4
Explanation

(4x^2 + 2) - (3x^2 - 2) = x^2 + 4. So, (x^2 + 4) / (2x^2 - 1).

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

In a restaurant, the cost per head is partly constant and partly inversely proportional to the number of people. If the cost for 100 people is N100 and for 40 people is N150, find the cost for 50 people.

A. N120
B. N130
C. N140
D. N150
Explanation

Cost per head c = a + b/n. For n = 100, c = 100: a + b/100 = 100. For n = 40, c = 150: a + b/40 = 150. Solving, a = 50, b = 5,000. For n = 50, c = 50 + 5,000/50 = 150.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Factorize (x^2 - x - 2)(x - 3).

A. (x - 2)(x + 1)(x - 3)
B. (x - 2)(x - 1)(x - 3)
C. (x + 2)(x - 1)(x - 3)
D. (x + 2)(x + 1)(x - 3)
Explanation

x^2 - x - 2 = (x - 2)(x + 1). Thus, (x^2 - x - 2)(x - 3) = (x - 2)(x + 1)(x - 3).

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If x = 1 and y = 2 in the equation 2x + 3y = k, find k.

A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
Explanation

Substitute x = 1, y = 2: 2(1) + 3(2) = k, 2 + 6 = 8, k = 8.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Factorize 2x^2 + 3x - 2.

A. (2x - 1)(x + 2)
B. (2x + 1)(x - 2)
C. (x + 2)(2x - 1)
D. (x - 2)(2x + 1)
Explanation

2x^2 + 3x - 2 = (2x - 1)(x + 2). Check: 2x × x + 2x × 2 - x - 2 = 2x^2 + 3x - 2.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

At what value of x do the lines y = 2x + 1 and y = x + 2 intersect?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Explanation

Set 2x + 1 = x + 2: 2x - x = 2 - 1, x = 1.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If the quadratic 2x^2 + 4x + k is a perfect square, find k.

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Explanation

For a perfect square, 2x^2 + 4x + k = (√2 x + √2)^2 = 2x^2 + 4x + 2. Thus, k = 2.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Solve the equations 2x + y = 5 and x - y = 1 simultaneously.

A. (2, 1)
B. (1, 2)
C. (3, -1)
D. (2, -1)
Explanation

Add equations: 3x = 6, x = 2. Substitute into x - y = 1: 2 - y = 1, y = 1. Solution is (2, 1).

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Solve for x in the equation (x - 1)^2 / (x - 1) = 12.

A. 11
B. 12
C. 13
D. 14
Explanation

(x - 1)^2 / (x - 1) = x - 1 (for x ≠ 1). So, x - 1 = 12, x = 13.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Solve the equations 3x - 2y = 7 and 2x + y = 8 simultaneously.

A. x = 3, y = 2
B. x = 2, y = 3
C. x = 4, y = 1
D. x = 1, y = 4
Explanation

From 2x + y = 8, y = 8 - 2x. Substitute into 3x - 2y = 7: 3x - 2(8 - 2x) = 7, 7x - 16 = 7, 7x = 23, x = 3, y = 2.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If x = 2, find y in the equation y = 3(2^x) + 1.

A. 11
B. 12
C. 13
D. 14
Explanation

y = 3(2^2) + 1 = 3(4) + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

In a triangle ABC, AB = 3 cm, BC = 4 cm, AC = 5 cm. Find cos A.

A. 3/5
B. 4/5
C. 3/4
D. 5/4
Explanation

Cosine rule: cos A = (b^2 + c^2 - a^2) / (2bc), a = 4, b = 5, c = 3. cos A = (5^2 + 3^2 - 4^2) / (2 × 5 × 3) = 18/30 = 3/5.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Find the value of y when x = 4 in the equation y = x^2 - x + 3, given the pattern: when x = 1, y = 3; x = 2, y = 5; x = 3, y = 9.

A. 12
B. 15
C. 18
D. 21
Explanation

y = x^2 - x + 3, when x = 4: y = 4^2 - 4 + 3 = 16 - 4 + 3 = 15.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Find the mean number of goals scored in matches, given: 0 goals in 1 match, 1 goal in 5 matches, 2 goals in 7 matches, 3 goals in 3 matches, 4 goals in 1 match, 5 goals in 1 match.

A. 1.5
B. 1.8
C. 2.0
D. 2.2
Explanation

Total goals = 0×1 + 1×5 + 2×7 + 3×3 + 4×1 + 5×1 = 37. Total matches = 18. Mean = 37/18 ≈ 2.0.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If the hypotenuse of a right-angled isosceles triangle is 2, what is the length of each of the other sides?

A. 1
B. √2
C. 2√2
D. 3
Explanation

Legs are equal, say x. Pythagorean theorem: x^2 + x^2 = 2^2, 2x^2 = 4, x = √2.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If two fair coins are tossed, what is the probability of getting at least one head?

A. 1/4
B. 1/2
C. 3/4
D. 1
Explanation

Outcomes: {HH, HT, TH, TT}. Favorable (at least one head): {HH, HT, TH}. Probability = 3/4.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

The area of one face of two similar rectangular blocks is in the ratio 2:3. If the volume of the larger block is 81 cm^3, find the volume of the smaller block.

A. 36 cm^3
B. 48 cm^3
C. 54 cm^3
D. 72 cm^3
Explanation

Area ratio 2:3, linear ratio √2:√3. Volume ratio = (√2/√3)^3. Smaller volume = 81 × (2/3)^(3/2) ≈ 54 cm^3.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

The bearing of a bird on a tree from a hunter is N72°E. What is the bearing of the hunter from the bird?

A. S18°W
B. S72°W
C. S18°E
D. S72°E
Explanation

N72°E is 72° east of north. Reverse bearing: 72° + 180° = 252°, or S72°W.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

In a circle of radius 5 cm, a chord is 4 cm from the center. Find the length of the chord.

A. 6 cm
B. 8 cm
C. 10 cm
D. 12 cm
Explanation

Distance to chord = 4 cm, radius = 5 cm. Half chord length = √(5^2 - 4^2) = 3 cm. Chord length = 6 cm.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

A point is chosen at random inside a circle of radius 5 cm. What is the probability it lies within 3 cm of the center?

A. 9/25
B. 3/5
C. 16/25
D. 4/5
Explanation

Area of circle = π(5)^2 = 25π. Area within 3 cm = π(3)^2 = 9π. Probability = 9π/25π = 9/25.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

A solid sphere of radius 4 cm has a mass of 64 kg. What is the mass of a shell of the same metal with internal radius 2 cm and external radius 4 cm?

A. 48 kg
B. 56 kg
C. 60 kg
D. 64 kg
Explanation

Sphere volume = (4/3)π(4)^3 = 256π/3 cm^3. Density = 64 / (256π/3) kg/cm^3. Shell volume = (4/3)π(4^3 - 2^3) = 224π/3 cm^3. Mass = density × volume = 48 kg.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Find the area of a regular hexagon inscribed in a circle of radius 6 cm.

A. 54√3 cm^2
B. 36√3 cm^2
C. 18√3 cm^2
D. 72√3 cm^2
Explanation

Side length = 6 cm. Hexagon has 6 equilateral triangles, each area (√3/4)(6)^2 = 9√3 cm^2. Total area = 6 × 9√3 = 54√3 cm^2.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

In a circle of radius 5 cm, a chord subtends an angle of 60° at the center. Find the length of the chord.

A. 5 cm
B. 6 cm
C. 7 cm
D. 8 cm
Explanation

Chord length = 2 × 5 × sin(30°) = 2 × 5 × (1/2) = 5 cm.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

If sin θ = 1/2 and θ is in the first quadrant, find θ.

A. 30°
B. 45°
C. 60°
D. 90°
Explanation

sin θ = 1/2 in the first quadrant implies θ = 30°.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

Find the volume of a cone with radius 3 cm and height 4 cm.

A. 12π cm^3
B. 18π cm^3
C. 24π cm^3
D. 36π cm^3
Explanation

Volume = (1/3)πr^2h = (1/3)π(3)^2(4) = 12π cm^3.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2012

In a circle of radius 6 cm, find the area of a sector with a central angle of 60°.

A. 6π cm^2
B. 12π cm^2
C. 18π cm^2
D. 24π cm^2
Explanation

Sector area = (60/360) × π(6)^2 = (1/6) × 36π = 6π cm^2.

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