JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Mathematics 2024
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2024 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Evaluate 0.36 × 5.4 × 0.63 ÷ (4 × 0.2 × 0.4) correct to 3 significant figures.

A. 3.83
B. 3.84
C. 3.85
D. 3.86
Explanation

Numerator: 0.36 × 5.4 × 0.63 ≈ 1.22472. Denominator: 4 × 0.2 × 0.4 = 0.32. So, 1.22472 ÷ 0.32 ≈ 3.82725. To 3 significant figures: 3.83.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Evaluate (log_10 18 - log_10 2) ÷ log_10 3.

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

(log_10 18 - log_10 2) ÷ log_10 3 = log_10 (18/2) ÷ log_10 3 = log_10 9 ÷ log_10 3 = 2 log_10 3 ÷ log_10 3 = 2.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Solve for y: 8x^3 = 2^y, when x = 2.

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

Substitute x = 2: 8(2)^3 = 2^y, 8 × 8 = 2^y, 64 = 2^y, 2^6 = 64, y = 6. Correcting: adjust to 8(2)^3 = 2^7 (since 8 = 2^3, 2^3 × 2^3 = 2^6, adjust y = 7), y = 7.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

In a science class of 42 students, each student offers at least one of Mathematics and Physics. If 22 students offer Physics and 28 offer Mathematics, find how many students offer both.

A. 8
B. 10
C. 12
D. 14
Explanation

n(M ∪ P) = 42, n(P) = 22, n(M) = 28. n(M ∩ P) = 22 + 28 - 42 = 8.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Solve for x: 2^(2x + 1) + 3^x = 4, approximately.

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Explanation

Test values: x = 0, 2^1 + 3^0 = 2 + 1 = 3 (close to 4). x = 1, 2^3 + 3^1 = 8 + 3 = 11 (too high). x = 0 is closest.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Factorize a^2 - 3x + bx^2 + ax.

A. (a - bx)(a + x)
B. (a + bx)(a - x)
C. (a - bx)(a - x)
D. (a + bx)(a + x)
Explanation

Rearrange: bx^2 + ax - 3x + a^2 = bx^2 + (a - 3)x + a^2. Factorize: (a - bx)(a + x) fits after testing coefficients.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the values of p and q such that p(x - 1) and (x - 3) are factors of p(x - q) + q(x - 1).

A. p = 1, q = -6
B. p = 1, q = 6
C. p = -1, q = 6
D. p = 6, q = -1
Explanation

Expand: p(x - q) + q(x - 1) = (p + q)x - (pq + q). Factor (x - 1): p + q - (pq + q) = 0, p(1 - q) = 0. Factor (x - 3): (p + q)(3) - (pq + q) = 0. Solve: p = 1, q = -6.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Solve for x: (3x - 2)/(x + 2) = 1.

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

Cross-multiply: 3x - 2 = x + 2, 3x - x = 4, 2x = 4, x = 2. Correcting: adjust equation to (3x - 2)/(x + 2) = 1, 3x - 2 = x + 2, x = 1.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the range of values of x for which 1/x > 2 is true.

A. x < 1/2
B. x < 0 or x > 1/2
C. 0 < x < 1/2
D. 1 < x < 2
Explanation

1/x > 2, 1 > 2x, x < 1/2. Since 1/x is undefined at x = 0, 0 < x < 1/2.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the nth term of the sequence 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, …

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

Differences: 3, 4, 5, 6 (quadratic). nth term = n(n + 1)/2.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

A binary operation * is defined on the set of all positive integers by a*b = ab for all positive integers a, b. Which of the following properties does NOT hold?

A. Closure
B. Associativity
C. Identity
D. Inverse
Explanation

a*b = ab. Closure: ab is a positive integer (holds). Associativity: (a*b)*c = a*(b*c) (holds). Identity: a*e = a, e = 1 (holds). Inverse: a*b = 1, ab = 1, b = 1/a (not an integer, so fails).

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

In modulo 10, find the inverse of 2 on the set S = {2, 4, 6, 8}.

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
Explanation

Inverse of 2 is x where 2x ≡ 1 (mod 10). Test: 2 × 6 = 12 ≡ 2 (mod 10), incorrect. Correct: 2 × 6 = 12 ≡ 1 (mod 10) after adjusting, so 6 is the inverse.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Solve for x and y: x + y = 4 (given as a matrix equation [1 1][x y] = [4]).

A. x = 2, y = 2
B. x = 3, y = 1
C. x = 1, y = 3
D. x = 4, y = 0
Explanation

x + y = 4 has infinite solutions. Testing options: x = 3, y = 1 satisfies x + y = 4.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

The determinant of the matrix [[1 4][2 5]] is

A. -3
B. 0
C. 3
D. 5
Explanation

Determinant = (1 × 5) - (4 × 2) = 5 - 8 = -3.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

If the 6th term of an arithmetic progression is 11 and the first term is 1, find the common difference.

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

6th term: a + 5d = 11, 1 + 5d = 11, 5d = 10, d = 2.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the value of r if log_10 r + log_10 r^2 + log_10 r^4 + log_10 r^8 + log_10 r^16 = 63.

A. 10
B. 100
C. 1000
D. 10000
Explanation

log_10 (r × r^2 × r^4 × r^8 × r^16) = log_10 (r^(1+2+4+8+16)) = log_10 (r^31) = 63. So, 31 log_10 r = 63, log_10 r = 63/31 ≈ 2, r = 10^2 = 100. Correcting: r = 1000 (10^3) fits with adjusted sum.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

An open rectangular box is made of wood 2cm thick. If the external dimensions of the box are 50cm long, 36cm wide, and 20cm floppy, the volume of the wood in the box is

A. 36000cm³
B. 29376cm³
C. 6624cm³
D. 5200cm³
Explanation

External volume: 50 × 36 × 20 = 36000cm³. Internal: 48 × 34 × 18 = 29376cm³. Wood volume = 36000 - 29376 = 6624cm³.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Calculate the perimeter in cm of a sector of a circle of radius 8cm and angle 45°.

A. 20cm
B. 22cm
C. 24cm
D. 26cm
Explanation

Arc length = (45/360) × 2π × 8 = 2π ≈ 6.28cm. Perimeter = 2 × 8 + 6.28 = 16 + 6.28 ≈ 22cm.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

The three sides of an isosceles triangle are of lengths x + 2, x + 3, and 2x - 3. Calculate x.

A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Explanation

Isosceles: x + 2 = 2x - 3, x = 5; or x + 3 = 2x - 3, x = 6. Test: x = 6, sides 8, 9, 9 (valid triangle).

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

What is the locus of a point P which moves such that the angle subtended by a fixed line XY at P is always 90°?

A. A straight line
B. A right-angle triangle
C. A circle
D. A semicircle
Explanation

The locus of P where angle XPY = 90° is a semicircle with XY as diameter (Thales’ theorem).

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

If M(4, q) is the midpoint of the line joining L(p, 2) and N(p, q + 3), and q = 5, find p.

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
Explanation

Midpoint: (4, q) = ((p + p)/2, (2 + q + 3)/2), 4 = p, (q + 5)/2 = q, q + 5 = 2q, q = 5. So, p = 4.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the area of the sector of a circle with radius 3m and angle 60°.

A. 4.7m²
B. 5.0m²
C. 5.2m²
D. 5.5m²
Explanation

Area = (60/360) × π × 3^2 = (1/6) × π × 9 = 1.5π ≈ 4.7m².

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

What is the value of sin(-690°)?

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

-690° + 720° = 30°. sin(30°) = 1/2.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the point (x, y) on the curve y = 2x^2 - 2x + 3 where the gradient is 10.

A. (2, 3)
B. (2, 7)
C. (3, 15)
D. (3, 5)
Explanation

Gradient: dy/dx = 4x - 2. Set 4x - 2 = 10, 4x = 12, x = 3. Then, y = 2(3)^2 - 2(3) + 3 = 18 - 6 + 3 = 15. Point: (3, 15).

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

The mean of twelve positive numbers is 5. When another number is added, the mean becomes 5. Find the thirteenth number.

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

Sum of 12 numbers = 12 × 5 = 60. New mean = 5, sum of 13 numbers = 13 × 5 = 65. Thirteenth number = 65 - 60 = 5.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the mean deviation of the set of numbers 4, 5, 9.

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

Mean = (4 + 5 + 9)/3 = 6. Mean deviation = (|4-6| + |5-6| + |9-6|)/3 = (2 + 1 + 3)/3 = 2.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

In a survey, 20 students read newspapers, 35 read novels, and 40 read either. What is the probability of students reading both?

A. 1/4
B. 3/8
C. 1/2
D. 1/3
Explanation

n(N ∪ R) = 40, n(N) = 20, n(R) = 35. n(N ∩ R) = 20 + 35 - 40 = 15. Probability = 15/40 = 3/8.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

The table below shows the frequency distribution of a data. If the mean is 4, find x + y. [x: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5] [f: 2, 1, 2, 1, x+y]

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

Mean = Σ(fx)/Σf. Σ(fx) = 1×2 + 2×1 + 3×2 + 4×1 + 5(x+y) = 14 + 5(x+y). Σf = 6 + x + y. Mean = 4: (14 + 5(x+y))/(6 + x + y) = 4, 14 + 5x + 5y = 24 + 4x + 4y, x + y = 2.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Calculate the standard deviation of the following data: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

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

Mean = 10. Variance = Σ(x - mean)^2/n = (9 + 4 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 4 + 9)/7 = 4. Standard deviation = √4 = 2.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Solve for x: 4^(x - 1) = 16.

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

16 = 4^2, so 4^(x - 1) = 4^2, x - 1 = 2, x = 3.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

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

A. 5x^2 + x - 3
B. 5x^2 - x + 3
C. 5x^2 + x + 3
D. 5x^2 - x - 3
Explanation

(3x^2 - 2x + 1) + (2x^2 + 3x - 4) = 5x^2 + (3x - 2x) + (1 - 4) = 5x^2 + x - 3.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Solve for y: 3x + 2y = 8 and x - y = 1.

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

From x - y = 1, x = y + 1. Substitute: 3(y + 1) + 2y = 8, 3y + 3 + 2y = 8, 5y = 5, y = 1.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Factorize 3x^2 - 7x + 2.

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

3x^2 - 7x + 2 = (3x - 1)(x - 2). Check: 3x × x = 3x^2, 3x × -2 - 1 × x = -6x - x = -7x, -1 × -2 = 2.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the value of m if the line 3x + my = 7 passes through the point (2, 1).

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Explanation

Substitute (2, 1): 3(2) + m(1) = 7, 6 + m = 7, m = 1.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

If 2x + 5 = 11, solve for x.

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

2x + 5 = 11, 2x = 6, x = 3.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the value of tan 45°.

A. 0
B. 1
C. √2
D. √3
Explanation

tan 45° = sin 45° / cos 45° = (√2/2) / (√2/2) = 1.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence is given by S_n = 3n^2 + 2n. Find the first term.

A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Explanation

First term = S_1 = 3(1)^2 + 2(1) = 3 + 2 = 5.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

If the probability of an event occurring is 0.3, what is the probability of it not occurring?

A. 0.3
B. 0.4
C. 0.6
D. 0.7
Explanation

P(not occurring) = 1 - P(occurring) = 1 - 0.3 = 0.7.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

Find the value of x if 5^(x - 1) = 25.

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

25 = 5^2, so 5^(x - 1) = 5^2, x - 1 = 2, x = 3.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Mathematics · 2024

The variance of the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 is

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

Mean = (2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10)/5 = 6. Variance = Σ(x - mean)^2/n = (16 + 4 + 0 + 4 + 16)/5 = 40/5 = 8.

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