WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Mathematics 2017
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2017 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Express 0.0000407 to 2 significant figures

A. 0.00004
B. 0.000004
C. 0.000041
D. 0.0000407
Explanation

The number 0.0000407 is 4.07 × 10^{-5}. To two significant figures, look at the first two digits 4 and 0. The next digit is 7, which is greater than or equal to 5, so round up the 0 to 1, making it 4.1 × 10^{-5} or 0.000041.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

If x varies inversely as y and y varies directly as z, what is the relationship between x and z?

A. x ∝ z
B. x ∝ 1/z
C. x ∝ z²
D. x ∝ 1/z²
Explanation

Since x varies inversely as y, x = k / y for some constant k. y varies directly as z, so y = m z for some constant m. Substituting, x = k / (m z) = (k/m) / z, so x ∝ 1/z.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Evaluate (3 1/4 × 1 3/5) / (11 1/3 - 5 1/3)

A. 14/15
B. 13/15
C. 4/5
D. 11/15
Explanation

3 1/4 = 13/4, 1 3/5 = 8/5, so numerator (13/4) × (8/5) = 104/20 = 26/5. Denominator 11 1/3 = 34/3, 5 1/3 = 16/3, difference (34/3 - 16/3) = 18/3 = 6. Then (26/5) / 6 = 26/5 × 1/6 = 26/30 = 13/15.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Using the addition and multiplication tables in modulo 5, solve the equation (n ⊕ 4) ⊕ 3 = 0 (mod 5)

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

Assuming ⊕ denotes addition modulo 5, (n + 4 mod 5) + 3 mod 5 ≡ 0 mod 5. This simplifies to n + 7 ≡ 0 mod 5, or n + 2 ≡ 0 mod 5, so n ≡ -2 ≡ 3 mod 5. Thus, n = 3.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The ages of Tunde and Ola are in the ratio 1:2. If the ratio of Ola's age to Musa's age is 4:5, what is the ratio of Tunde's age to Musa's age?

A. 1:4
B. 1:5
C. 2:5
D. 5:2
Explanation

Let Tunde's age be k, then Ola's age is 2k. Ola : Musa = 4:5, so 2k / m = 4/5, where m is Musa's age. Then 2k = (4/5) m, m = (5/2) (2k) = 5k/2. Ratio T:M = k : 5k/2 = 2:5.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

If M = {x: 3 ≤ x < 8} and N = {x: 8 < x ≤ 12}, which of the following is true? I. 8 ∈ M ∩ N II. 8 ∈ M ∪ N III. M ∩ N = ∅

A. III only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III
Explanation

I. 8 is not in M (x < 8) or N (x > 8), so not in intersection. II. 8 is not in M or N, so not in union. III. No common elements, so intersection is empty. Only III is true.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Given that a = log 7 and b = log 2, express log 14 in terms of a and b

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

log 14 = log (7 × 2) = log 7 + log 2 = a + b.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

If x = 2/3 and y = -6, evaluate xy - y/x

A. 0
B. 5
C. 8
D. 9
Explanation

xy = (2/3) × (-6) = -4. y/x = (-6) / (2/3) = -6 × (3/2) = -9. Then xy - y/x = -4 - (-9) = -4 + 9 = 5.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Solve the equation: 1/(5x) + 1/x = 3

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

Combine terms: (1 + 5)/(5x) = 3, so 6/(5x) = 3. Then 5x = 6/3 = 2, x = 2/5.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

A sum of ₦18,100 was shared among 5 boys and 4 girls with each boy taking ₦20.00 more than each girl. Find a boy's share

A. ₦1,820.00
B. ₦2,000.00
C. ₦2,020.00
D. ₦2,040.00
Explanation

Let girl's share be g, boy's g + 20. 5(g + 20) + 4g = 18100, 5g + 100 + 4g = 18100, 9g = 18000, g = 2000, boy = 2020.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

One factor of 7x² + 33x - 10 is

A. 7x + 5
B. x - 2
C. 7x - 2
D. x - 5
Explanation

To factor 7x² + 33x - 10, find two numbers that multiply to 7 × (-10) = -70 and add to 33: 35 and -2. Rewrite as 7x² + 35x - 2x - 10 = 7x(x + 5) - 2(x + 5) = (7x - 2)(x + 5). Thus, one factor is 7x - 2.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Solve: -1/4 < (3/4)(3x - 2) < 1/4

A. 5/9 < x < 7/9
B. -7/9 < x < -5/9
C. -5/9 < x < 5/9
D. -7/9 < x < 7/9
Explanation

Divide by 3/4 (positive): -1/4 ÷ 3/4 = -1/3 < 3x - 2 < 1/4 ÷ 3/4 = 1/3. Add 2: 5/3 < 3x < 7/3. Divide by 3: 5/9 < x < 7/9.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Simplify: 3x - (p - x) - (r - p)

A. 2x - r
B. 2x + r
C. 4x - r
D. 2x - 2p + r
Explanation

3x - p + x - r + p = 4x - r.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

An arc of a circle of radius 7.5cm is 7.5cm long. Find, correct to the nearest degree, the angle which the arc subtends at the centre of the circle. Take π = 22/7

A. 29°
B. 57°
C. 65°
D. 115°
Explanation

Arc length = r θ (radians), 7.5 = 7.5 θ, θ = 1 radian. To degrees: 1 × (180/π) = 180 × 7/22 ≈ 57.27°, nearest 57°.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Water flows out of a pipe at a rate of 40π cm³ per second into an empty cylindrical container of base radius 4cm. Find the height of water in the container after 4 seconds

A. 10cm
B. 14cm
C. 16cm
D. 20cm
Explanation

Volume in 4 s = 40π × 4 = 160π cm³. Base area = π (4)^2 = 16π cm². Height h = volume / area = 160π / 16π = 10 cm.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The dimensions of a water tank are 13cm, 10cm, and 70cm. If it is half-filled with water, calculate the volume of water in litres

A. 4.55 litres
B. 7.50 litres
C. 8.10 litres
D. 9.55 litres
Explanation

Volume = (13 × 10 × 70) / 2 = 9100 / 2 = 4550 cm³ = 4.55 litres (since 1000 cm³ = 1 litre).

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

If the curved surface area of a solid hemisphere is equal to its volume, find the radius

A. 3.0cm
B. 4.5cm
C. 6.0cm
D. 9.0cm
Explanation

Curved surface area = 2π r², volume = (2/3) π r³. Set equal: 2π r² = (2/3) π r³. Divide both sides by 2π r² (r ≠ 0): 1 = (1/3) r, r = 3 cm.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Which of the following is true about a parallelogram?

A. Adjacent angles are supplementary
B. Opposite angles are complementary
C. Opposite angles are equal
D. Opposite angles are reflex angles
Explanation

In a parallelogram, adjacent angles sum to 180° (supplementary), and opposite angles are equal. The statement for A is true.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

In a right-angled triangle with angles 30° and 60°, the side opposite 30° is 5 cm. Find the hypotenuse.

A. 5√3 cm
B. 10 cm
C. 5/2 cm
D. 10√3 cm
Explanation

In 30-60-90 triangle, sides 1 : √3 : 2. Opposite 30° is half hypotenuse, so hypotenuse = 2 × 5 = 10 cm.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The exterior angle of a regular hexagon is

A. 60°
B. 90°
C. 100°
D. 120°
Explanation

Sum of exterior angles = 360°, 6 equal exterior angles, each 360°/6 = 60°.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The exterior angle of a regular quadrilateral is

A. 33°
B. 57°
C. 90°
D. 100°
Explanation

A regular quadrilateral is a square. Sum of exterior angles = 360°, 4 equal exterior angles, each 360°/4 = 90°.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Two angles of a triangle are 40° and 37°. Find the measure of the third angle.

A. 103°
B. 123°
C. 133°
D. 143°
Explanation

Sum of angles in triangle = 180°, so third angle = 180° - 40° - 37° = 103°.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Calculate the gradient (slope) of the line joining points (-1, 1) and (2, -2)

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

Slope m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1) = (-2 - 1)/(2 - (-1)) = (-3)/3 = -1.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

If P (2, 3) and Q (2, 5) are points on a graph, calculate the length PQ

A. 6 units
B. 5 units
C. 4 units
D. 2 units
Explanation

Distance = √[(2-2)^2 + (5-3)^2] = √[0 + 4] = 2 units.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

A bearing of 320° expressed as a compass bearing is

A. N50°W
B. N40°W
C. N50°E
D. N40°E
Explanation

320° is 40° west of north, so N40°W.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Given that cos 30° = sin 60° = √3/2 and sin 30° = cos 60° = 1/2, evaluate (tan 60° - 1)/(1 - tan 30°)

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

tan 60° = √3, tan 30° = 1/√3. Numerator √3 - 1, denominator 1 - 1/√3 = (√3 - 1)/√3. So (√3 - 1) / [(√3 - 1)/√3] = √3.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

A stationary boat is observed from a height of 100m. If the horizontal distance between the observer and the boat is 80m, calculate, correct to two decimal places, the angle of depression of the boat from the point of observation

A. 36.87°
B. 39.70°
C. 51.34°
D. 53.13°
Explanation

tan θ = opposite / adjacent = 100 / 80 = 1.25, θ = arctan(1.25) ≈ 51.34°.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The average age of a group of 25 girls is 10 years. If one girl, aged 12 years and 4 months, joins the group, find, correct to one decimal place, the new average age of the group

A. 10.1 years
B. 9.3 years
C. 8.7 years
D. 8.3 years
Explanation

Total age = 25 × 10 = 250 years. New girl = 12 + 4/12 = 12 1/3 ≈ 12.333 years. New total = 250 + 12.333 = 262.333, average = 262.333 / 26 ≈ 10.09 ≈ 10.1 years.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The probability that a candidate passes a mathematics test is 5/6. What is the ratio of the probability that he passes the test to the probability that he fails the test?

A. 60:13
B. 10:3
C. 5:1
D. 40:13
Explanation

Probability of failure = 1 - 5/6 = 1/6. Ratio passes:fails = (5/6):(1/6) = 5:1.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Find the median of a distribution with frequencies 7, 4, 18, 12, 8, 11 for marks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 respectively

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

Total n = 60, median position (60/2) = 30th value. Cumulative frequencies: 0:7, 1:11, 2:29, 3:41. The 30th falls in mark 3, so median = 3.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Find the first quartile of a distribution with frequencies 7, 4, 18, 12, 8, 11 for marks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 respectively

A. 1.0
B. 2.0
C. 3.0
D. 4.0
Explanation

First quartile position = (60 + 1)/4 = 15.25th value. Cumulative: up to 1:11, up to 2:29. The 15th is in mark 2, so Q1 = 2.0.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

In a class of 45 students, 28 offer Chemistry and 25 offer Biology. If each student offers at least one of the two subjects, calculate the probability that a student selected at random from the class offers Chemistry only

A. 2/5
B. 4/9
C. 5/9
D. 7/9
Explanation

Number offering both = 28 + 25 - 45 = 8. Chemistry only = 28 - 8 = 20. Probability = 20/45 = 4/9.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

In what number base was the addition 1 + nn = 100, where n > 0, done?

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

In base b, nn_b = n b + n = n(b + 1), 100_b = b². So 1 + n(b + 1) = b², n(b + 1) = b² - 1 = (b - 1)(b + 1), n = b - 1, b = n + 1.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Simplify √2(√6 + 2√2) - 2√3

A. 4
B. √3 + 4
C. 4√2
D. 4√3 + 4
Explanation

√2 × √6 = √12 = 2√3, √2 × 2√2 = 2 × 2 = 4, so 2√3 + 4 - 2√3 = 4.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Three exterior angles of a polygon are 30°, 40°, and 60°. If the remaining exterior angles are 46° each, name the polygon

A. Decagon
B. Nonagon
C. Octagon
D. Hexagon
Explanation

Sum of exterior angles = 360°. Given sum 130°, remaining sum 230°, number of remaining angles = 230 / 46 = 5, total angles = 3 + 5 = 8, octagon.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The sum of three interior angles of a quadrilateral is 230°. Find the measure of the fourth angle

A. 110°
B. 130°
C. 140°
D. 150°
Explanation

The sum of interior angles of a quadrilateral is 360°, so fourth angle = 360° - 230° = 130°.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

Simplify the expression (a + b)(a - b)

A. a² - b²
B. b² - a²
C. a²b - ab²
D. ab² - a²b
Explanation

(a + b)(a - b) = a² - ab + ab - b² = a² - b².

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The 6th term of the sequence: 2/3, 7/15, 4/15, ...

A. -1/3
B. -1/5
C. 1/5
D. 1/9
Explanation

This is an arithmetic progression with first term a = 2/3 and common difference d = -1/5. The 6th term is a + 5d = 2/3 + 5(-1/5) = 2/3 - 1 = -1/3.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The diagonal of a square is 60cm. Calculate its perimeter

A. 20√2 cm
B. 40√2 cm
C. 90√2 cm
D. 120√2 cm
Explanation

Side s, diagonal s√2 = 60, s = 60/√2 = 30√2. Perimeter = 4s = 120√2 cm.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Mathematics · 2017

The roots of a quadratic equation are -1/2 and 2/3. Find the equation

A. 6x² - x + 2 = 0
B. 6x² - x - 2 = 0
C. 6x² + x - 2 = 0
D. 6x² + x + 2 = 0
Explanation

Sum of roots = -1/2 + 2/3 = 1/6 = -b/a. Product = (-1/2)(2/3) = -1/3 = c/a. For a=6, b=-1, c=-2, equation 6x² - x - 2 = 0.

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