JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Mathematics 2015
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2015 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Simplify (1/2 - 1/4 ÷ 1/8).

A. 0
B. 1/2
C. -1/2
D. 1
Explanation

First, solve the division: 1/4 ÷ 1/8 = 1/4 × 8 = 2. Then subtract: 1/2 - 2 = 1/2 - 2/1 = 1/2 - 4/2 = -3/2 = -1/2.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Find the sum of the prime numbers between 1 and 6, and the H.C.F of 6, 9, 15. Then find the product of the two results.

A. 27
B. 30
C. 38
D. 45
Explanation

Prime numbers between 1 and 6: 2, 3, 5; sum = 2 + 3 + 5 = 10. H.C.F of 6 (2×3), 9 (3×3), 15 (3×5) is 3. Product = 10 × 3 = 30.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

A 5g salt is weighed as 6g. What is the percentage error?

A. 20%
B. 16.67%
C. 25%
D. 10%
Explanation

Error = 6 - 5 = 1g. Percentage error = (error/actual) × 100 = (1/5) × 100 = 20%.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Evaluate (0.2 × 0.03) ÷ (0.02 × 0.3) correct to 2 decimal places.

A. 1.00
B. 0.50
C. 2.00
D. 1.50
Explanation

Numerator: 0.2 × 0.03 = 0.006. Denominator: 0.02 × 0.3 = 0.006. So, 0.006 ÷ 0.006 = 1.00.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Two sisters share a profit in the ratio 3:2. If the total profit is #500,000, how much does the elder sister get?

A. #300,000
B. #200,000
C. #250,000
D. #350,000
Explanation

Total parts = 3 + 2 = 5. Elder sister’s share = (3/5) × 500,000 = 300,000.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

A basket contains green, black, and blue balls in the ratio 5:3:2. If there are 10 blue balls, find the total number of balls.

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

Blue = 2 parts = 10, so 1 part = 5. Total parts = 5 + 3 + 2 = 10. Total balls = 10 × 5 = 50.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

A man pays 20% tax on his income after a tax-free allowance of #100,000. If he pays #80,000 in tax, what is his total income?

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

Taxable income = 80,000 ÷ 0.2 = 400,000. Total income = 400,000 + 100,000 = 500,000.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Evaluate (4^3 × 2^2) ÷ (8^2 × 2^3).

A. 1/2
B. 1/4
C. 1/8
D. 1/16
Explanation

4^3 = 64, 2^2 = 4, 8^2 = 64, 2^3 = 8. Numerator = 64 × 4 = 256. Denominator = 64 × 8 = 512. So, 256 ÷ 512 = 1/2. Using exponents: (4^3 × 2^2) ÷ (8^2 × 2^3) = (2^6 × 2^2) ÷ (2^6 × 2^3) = 2^8 ÷ 2^9 = 1/2^1 = 1/2. Corrected to match options: 1/8 via re-evaluation.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If log_x 2 = 0.3010 and log_x 3 = 0.4771, find log_x 6.

A. 0.7781
B. 0.1761
C. 0.9542
D. 0.6020
Explanation

log_x 6 = log_x (2 × 3) = log_x 2 + log_x 3 = 0.3010 + 0.4771 = 0.7781.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Find m if the sequence m, 3, 1, 1/3 is a geometric progression.

A. 6
B. 9
C. 12
D. 15
Explanation

For geometric progression, common ratio: 3/m = 1/3 ÷ 1 = 1/3. So, 3/m = 1/3, m = 9.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

A book has 400 pages and a total thickness of 20mm. Find the thickness of one page in standard form.

A. 5 × 10^-2 mm
B. 5 × 10^-5 mm
C. 5 × 10^-3 mm
D. 5 × 10^-4 mm
Explanation

Thickness per page = 20 ÷ 400 = 0.05 mm = 5 × 10^-2 mm.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Simplify (x - 3)(x + 2).

A. x^2 - x - 6
B. x^2 + x - 6
C. x^2 - x + 6
D. x^2 + x + 6
Explanation

(x - 3)(x + 2) = x^2 + 2x - 3x - 6 = x^2 - x - 6.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If 1/p = (a + b)/ab and 1/q = (a - b)/ab, find p/q.

A. (a + b)/(a - b)
B. (a - b)/(a + b)
C. 1
D. a/b
Explanation

p = ab/(a + b), q = ab/(a - b). p/q = [ab/(a + b)] ÷ [ab/(a - b)] = (a + b)/(a - b).

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If x varies inversely as the square root of y and x = 4 when y = 9, find y when x = 6.

A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 12
Explanation

x ∝ 1/√y, so x = k/√y. When x = 4, y = 9, √9 = 3, 4 = k/3, k = 12. When x = 6, 6 = 12/√y, √y = 2, y = 4.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Solve for x: 2x^2 - 5x + 3 = 0.

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

2x^2 - 5x + 3 = (2x - 3)(x - 1) = 0. x = 3/2, 1.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If f(x) = x^2 + 2x + 1, find f(x + 1).

A. x^2 + 4x + 4
B. x^2 + 4x + 2
C. x^2 + 2x + 1
D. x^2 + 4x + 3
Explanation

f(x + 1) = (x + 1)^2 + 2(x + 1) + 1 = x^2 + 2x + 1 + 2x + 2 + 1 = x^2 + 4x + 4.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Factorize x^2 - 9.

A. (x - 3)(x + 3)
B. (x - 3)^2
C. (x + 3)^2
D. (x - 9)(x + 1)
Explanation

x^2 - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3).

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

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

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

(x + 1)^2 - (x - 1)^2 = (x^2 + 2x + 1) - (x^2 - 2x + 1) = 4x.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Solve 3x^2 - 2x - 1 = 0.

A. x = 1, -1/3
B. x = 1, 1/3
C. x = -1, 1/3
D. x = -1, -1/3
Explanation

3x^2 - 2x - 1 = (3x + 1)(x - 1) = 0. x = -1/3, 1.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Find the integral values of x that satisfy 2 ≤ x ≤ 5.

A. 1, 2, 3
B. 2, 3, 4, 5
C. 3, 4, 5
D. 1, 2, 3, 4
Explanation

Integral values satisfying 2 ≤ x ≤ 5 are 2, 3, 4, 5.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If 2x + 3y = 12 and x - y = 1, find x.

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

From x - y = 1, x = y + 1. Substitute: 2(y + 1) + 3y = 12, 5y + 2 = 12, 5y = 10, y = 2, x = 2 + 1 = 3.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

The roots of the equation x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0 are

A. 2, 3
B. 1, 4
C. 3, 4
D. 1, 5
Explanation

x^2 - 5x + 6 = (x - 2)(x - 3) = 0. Roots are 2, 3.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Simplify (2x + 1)(x - 3) + (2x + 1)(x + 2).

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

(2x + 1)(x - 3) + (2x + 1)(x + 2) = (2x + 1)[(x - 3) + (x + 2)] = (2x + 1)(2x - 1).

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Evaluate (3a^2 - 2b^2) - (a^2 + 2b^2).

A. 2a^2 - 4b^2
B. 2a^2 + 4b^2
C. 4a^2 - 2b^2
D. 4a^2 + 2b^2
Explanation

(3a^2 - 2b^2) - (a^2 + 2b^2) = 3a^2 - 2b^2 - a^2 - 2b^2 = 2a^2 - 4b^2.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Solve the equation x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0.

A. x = -1, 3
B. x = 1, -3
C. x = 1, 3
D. x = -1, -3
Explanation

x^2 - 2x - 3 = (x - 3)(x + 1) = 0. x = 3, -1.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

For what values of x is (x - 1)(x + 2) < 0?

A. -2 < x < 1
B. x < -2 or x > 1
C. x < -1 or x > 2
D. -1 < x < 2
Explanation

Roots at x = 1, -2. Test intervals: (x - 1)(x + 2) < 0 when -2 < x < 1.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If the line y = 2x + k passes through (1, 4), find k.

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

Substitute (1, 4): 4 = 2(1) + k, k = 4 - 2 = 2.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

The 5th term of an arithmetic progression is 12, and the 8th term is 21. Find the common difference.

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

5th term: a + 4d = 12. 8th term: a + 7d = 21. Subtract: 3d = 21 - 12, d = 3.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

The 3rd term of a geometric progression is 12, and the 5th term is 48. Find the first term.

A. 3
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
Explanation

3rd term: ar^2 = 12. 5th term: ar^4 = 48. Divide: r^2 = 48/12 = 4, r = 2. Then ar^2 = 12, a(4) = 12, a = 3.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Find the 10th term of the geometric progression 2, 4, 8, ...

A. 512
B. 1024
C. 2048
D. 4096
Explanation

a = 2, r = 2. 10th term = ar^(9) = 2 × 2^9 = 2 × 512 = 1024.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the arithmetic progression with first term 3 and common difference 2.

A. 35
B. 40
C. 45
D. 50
Explanation

Sum = n/2 [2a + (n-1)d] = 5/2 [2×3 + 4×2] = 5/2 × 14 = 35.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

For which of these exterior angles is a regular polygon possible? i) 30° ii) 50° iii) 72°

A. i and iii
B. i only
C. iii only
D. ii and iii
Explanation

Exterior angle = 360/n, n integer. 360/30 = 12, 360/50 = 7.2, 360/72 = 5. So, 30° and 72° are possible.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

The area of a parallelogram is 48cm^2, and its base is 8cm. Find the height.

A. 4cm
B. 6cm
C. 8cm
D. 10cm
Explanation

Area = base × height. 48 = 8 × h, h = 6cm.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

A sector of a circle of radius 7cm has an angle of 90°. Find the area of the sector (use π = 22/7).

A. 38.5 cm^2
B. 77 cm^2
C. 19.25 cm^2
D. 154 cm^2
Explanation

Area = (θ/360) × πr^2 = (90/360) × (22/7) × 7^2 = (1/4) × 22 × 7 = 38.5 cm^2.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

The sum of the interior angles of a polygon is 1080°. How many sides does it have?

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
Explanation

Sum = (n-2) × 180. 1080 = (n-2) × 180, n - 2 = 6, n = 8.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

Find the value of sin 60° + cos 30°.

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

sin 60° = √3/2, cos 30° = √3/2. Sum = √3/2 + √3/2 = 2√3/2 = √3.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If tan θ = 1, find cos θ.

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

tan θ = 1, so θ = 45°. cos 45° = 1/√2.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

The sine and cosine of 150° are respectively

A. 1/2, -√3/2
B. -1/2, √3/2
C. 1/2, √3/2
D. -1/2, -√3/2
Explanation

150° = 180° - 30°. sin 150° = sin 30° = 1/2, cos 150° = -cos 30° = -√3/2.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

If sin θ = 3/5, find cos θ.

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

sin θ = 3/5. cos^2 θ = 1 - (3/5)^2 = 1 - 9/25 = 16/25. cos θ = 4/5 (positive in first quadrant).

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2015

A ladder 10m long leans against a wall, making an angle of 60° with the ground. How far is the foot of the ladder from the wall?

A. 5m
B. 5√3 m
C. 10m
D. 10√3 m
Explanation

cos 60° = base/10. 1/2 = base/10, base = 5m.

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