WAEC Mathematics Past Questions and Answers (With Detailed Explanation)
Passing WAEC Mathematics requires consistent practice with past questions and a clear understanding of how to solve them step-by-step. Many students struggle not because Mathematics is difficult, but because they do not understand the method examiners expect.
This article provides carefully explained WAEC Mathematics past questions and answers designed to help students prepare effectively. Each solution is written in a simple and human-friendly style to improve understanding and boost confidence.
These questions cover important WAEC topics such as algebra, fractions, indices, geometry, statistics, and basic arithmetic.
WAEC Mathematics Questions and Answers
Question 1
Simplify:
3x + 7x − 4x
Solution
Combine like terms.
3x + 7x = 10x
10x − 4x = 6x
Final Answer
6x
Question 2
Evaluate:
15 ÷ 3 + 8
Solution
Using BODMAS rule, division comes first.
15 ÷ 3 = 5
Then add:
5 + 8 = 13
Final Answer
13
Question 3
Solve for x:
2x = 18
Solution
Divide both sides by 2
x = 18 ÷ 2
x = 9
Final Answer
x = 9
Question 4
Find the mean of the numbers:
4, 6, 8, 10
Solution
Mean = Sum ÷ Number
Sum = 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 = 28
Mean = 28 ÷ 4 = 7
Final Answer
7
Question 5
Solve:
x + 12 = 20
Solution
Subtract 12 from both sides
x = 20 − 12
x = 8
Final Answer
x = 8
Question 6
Convert 0.25 to fraction
Solution
0.25 = 25/100
Simplify:
25/100 = 1/4
Final Answer
1/4
Question 7
Find the perimeter of rectangle with length 9 cm and width 4 cm
Solution
Perimeter = 2(L + W)
= 2(9 + 4)
= 2 × 13
= 26 cm
Final Answer
26 cm
Question 8
Evaluate
6²
Solution
6² = 6 × 6
= 36
Final Answer
36
Question 9
Solve
3x + 5 = 20
Solution
Subtract 5
3x = 15
Divide by 3
x = 5
Final Answer
x = 5
Question 10
Evaluate
20 − 4 × 3
Solution
Multiply first
4 × 3 = 12
Then subtract
20 − 12 = 8
Final Answer
8
Question 11
Find 25% of 200
Solution
25% = 25/100
25/100 × 200
= 50
Final Answer
50
Question 12
Simplify
4a + 2a
Solution
Combine like terms
4a + 2a = 6a
Final Answer
6a
Question 13
Solve
5x = 45
Solution
x = 45 ÷ 5
x = 9
Final Answer
x = 9
Question 14
Find the square root of 81
Solution
√81 = 9
Final Answer
9
Question 15
Express 3/4 as decimal
Solution
3 ÷ 4 = 0.75
Final Answer
0.75
Question 16
Find the area of rectangle
Length = 10 cm
Width = 5 cm
Solution
Area = Length × Width
= 10 × 5
= 50 cm²
Final Answer
50 cm²
Question 17
Evaluate
2³
Solution
2³ = 2 × 2 × 2
= 8
Final Answer
8
Question 18
Solve
x − 7 = 10
Solution
Add 7
x = 17
Final Answer
17
Question 19
Find the median of
2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Solution
The middle number is 6
Final Answer
6
Question 20
Simplify
9y − 3y
Solution
9y − 3y = 6y
Final Answer
6y
WAEC Mathematics Exam Tips
To pass WAEC Mathematics successfully, follow these important tips:
1. Practice Past Questions Daily
WAEC repeats question patterns. Practicing daily improves speed and accuracy.
2. Understand BODMAS Rule
Most students lose marks because they do not follow order of operations.
B — Bracket
O — Of
D — Division
M — Multiplication
A — Addition
S — Subtraction
3. Show Your Steps
WAEC awards marks for method, not just answers.
4. Memorize Basic Formulas
Important formulas include:
Area of rectangle = L × W
Perimeter = 2(L + W)
Mean = Sum ÷ Number
Percentage = Part/Whole × 100
5. Avoid Calculator Mistakes
Always double-check entries.
6. Start With Easy Questions
This builds confidence and saves time.
7. Practice Algebra
Algebra carries many WAEC marks.
Topics WAEC Mathematics Focuses On
Students preparing for WAEC should concentrate on:
Algebra
Fractions
Decimals
Indices
Geometry
Mensuration
Statistics
Probability
Trigonometry
Number bases
These topics appear almost every year.
Common Mistakes Students Make in WAEC Mathematics
Many students fail due to avoidable errors such as:
Not reading question properly
Skipping steps
Wrong use of calculator
Forgetting formulas
Poor time management
Arithmetic mistakes
Not practicing enough
Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of passing.
How to Score A1 in WAEC Mathematics
To get A1 in WAEC Mathematics:
Practice at least 20 questions daily
Revise formulas every morning
Solve past questions for 10 years
Understand topics, don’t cram
Time yourself during practice
Check corrections carefully
Learn shortcuts
Consistency is the key.
Conclusion
WAEC Mathematics becomes easier when students practice consistently and understand the step-by-step solutions. The questions provided in this guide are designed to help candidates build confidence, master important topics, and improve problem-solving skills.
Students are advised to study these questions carefully and attempt them repeatedly until they become familiar with the methods. Mathematics is not about memorizing answers but understanding the process used to arrive at the solution.
With proper preparation, regular practice, and attention to key formulas, any student can pass WAEC Mathematics successfully. Continue practicing more questions, revise daily, and focus on areas of weakness. Success in WAEC Mathematics is achievable with determination and the right study approach.
Keep visiting utmetips.com for more WAEC Mathematics past questions and answers, exam tips, and study guides designed to help you excel in your examinations.
