PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free WASSCE Core Mathematics Practice Questions

Pass your WASSCE Core Mathematics / General Mathematics (WAEC) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More WAEC WASSCE & BECE Subject Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

WAEC BECE English Language

Practice Questions

WAEC BECE Mathematics

Practice Questions

WAEC BECE Science

Practice Questions

WASSCE Biology

Practice Questions

WASSCE Business Management

Practice Questions

WASSCE Chemistry

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: WASSCE Core Mathematics Exam

50 questions

WASSCE Core Mathematics Paper 1 has 50 multiple-choice objective questions

WAEC Mathematics syllabus (scheme of examination)

1 hour 30 minutes

Time allowed for Paper 1 objective questions

WAEC Mathematics syllabus (scheme of examination)

40% / 60%

Paper 1 contributes 40% and Paper 2 contributes 60% of the subject score

WAEC Core Mathematics examination scheme

13 essay questions

Paper 2 has 13 essay questions; candidates answer 10 for 100 marks

WAEC Mathematics syllabus (scheme of examination)

A1-F9

WASSCE results are reported on a 9-point grade scale from A1 to F9

WAEC WASSCE grading system

C6 (50-54%)

C6 is the minimum credit pass commonly required for tertiary admission

WAEC WASSCE grading system

5 countries

WASSCE is taken in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia

West African Examinations Council

100

Free original WASSCE Core Mathematics practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

WASSCE Core Mathematics (General Mathematics) is the compulsory WAEC mathematics subject taken at the end of senior secondary school in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia. It has two papers: Paper 1 is 50 multiple-choice objective questions (1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks, 40%) and Paper 2 is essay (2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 60%). Grades run A1 to F9, with A1-C6 credit grades and C6 (50-54%) the usual minimum credit pass for tertiary admission. The syllabus covers number and numeration, algebraic processes, geometry and trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics and probability. This 100-question bank gives original Paper 1-style practice with full explanations.

Sample WASSCE Core Mathematics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your WASSCE Core Mathematics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Convert the number 11011 from base 2 to base 10.
A.27
B.25
C.26
D.22
Explanation: Expand by place value: 1×16 + 1×8 + 0×4 + 1×2 + 1×1 = 16 + 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 27. Each binary digit is multiplied by a power of 2 from right (2^0) to left.
2Evaluate 3 ⊕ 4 in modulo 5 arithmetic (addition modulo 5).
A.7
B.2
C.3
D.1
Explanation: In modulo 5, 3 + 4 = 7, and 7 ÷ 5 leaves a remainder of 2. So 3 ⊕ 4 ≡ 2 (mod 5). You take the remainder after dividing by the modulus.
3Express 0.000405 in standard form (scientific notation).
A.4.05 × 10⁻⁴
B.4.05 × 10⁻³
C.40.5 × 10⁻⁵
D.4.05 × 10⁴
Explanation: Standard form is A × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ A < 10. Moving the decimal point four places right to get 4.05 means the original number is 4.05 × 10⁻⁴.
4Simplify (2³ × 2⁴) ÷ 2⁵.
A.2²
B.2⁷
C.2¹²
D.2⁶
Explanation: Add indices when multiplying: 2³ × 2⁴ = 2⁷. Subtract when dividing: 2⁷ ÷ 2⁵ = 2⁷⁻⁵ = 2², which equals 4.
5If log₁₀ 2 = 0.3010, find log₁₀ 8.
A.0.9030
B.0.6020
C.0.2408
D.2.4080
Explanation: Since 8 = 2³, log 8 = log 2³ = 3 log 2 = 3 × 0.3010 = 0.9030. The power law of logarithms lets you bring the index 3 to the front as a multiplier.
6The first term of an arithmetic progression is 5 and the common difference is 3. Find the 10th term.
A.32
B.35
C.30
D.28
Explanation: The nth term of an AP is a + (n − 1)d. Here a = 5, d = 3, n = 10, so T₁₀ = 5 + 9 × 3 = 5 + 27 = 32.
7Find the sum of the first 20 terms of the arithmetic progression 2, 5, 8, 11, …
A.610
B.590
C.620
D.600
Explanation: Sₙ = n/2 [2a + (n − 1)d]. With a = 2, d = 3, n = 20: S₂₀ = 10[4 + 19 × 3] = 10[4 + 57] = 10 × 61 = 610.
8The third term of a geometric progression is 12 and the sixth term is 96. Find the common ratio.
A.2
B.4
C.8
D.3
Explanation: T₆/T₃ = r³ = 96/12 = 8. Therefore r = ∛8 = 2. The ratio between terms three apart equals r raised to the power 3.
9In a class of 40 students, 25 offer Physics and 18 offer Chemistry. If every student offers at least one of the two subjects, how many offer both?
A.3
B.7
C.5
D.10
Explanation: Using n(P∪C) = n(P) + n(C) − n(P∩C): 40 = 25 + 18 − x, so x = 43 − 40 = 3. The overlap is found by rearranging the inclusion–exclusion rule.
10Simplify √50 − √18.
A.2√2
B.4√2
C.8√2
D.√32
Explanation: √50 = 5√2 and √18 = 3√2. So √50 − √18 = 5√2 − 3√2 = 2√2. Surds with the same root can be subtracted like terms.

About the WASSCE Core Mathematics Exam

WASSCE Core Mathematics (also called General Mathematics) is the compulsory mathematics subject of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, taken at the end of senior secondary school across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia. It is assessed by two compulsory papers: Paper 1 is 50 multiple-choice objective questions answered in 1 hour 30 minutes for 50 marks, and Paper 2 is an essay paper answered in 2 hours 30 minutes for 100 marks. The syllabus spans number and numeration, algebraic processes, geometry and trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics and probability. Results are reported on a 9-point grade scale from A1 to F9, with A1-C6 counting as credit passes for admission. This 100-question bank provides original Paper 1-style multiple-choice practice across the full syllabus.

Assessment

Two compulsory papers. Paper 1 (Objective): 50 multiple-choice questions, 50 marks, 40% of the subject score. Paper 2 (Essay): Section A has 5 compulsory questions (40 marks) and Section B has 8 questions of which 5 are answered (60 marks), 100 marks, 60% of the subject score.

Time Limit

Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Passing Score

Graded A1 to F9. A1-C6 are credit grades; C6 (50-54%) is the minimum credit pass commonly required for tertiary admission. D7 and E8 are weak passes, F9 is a fail.

Exam Fee

Registration fees are set per country and series by WAEC and national education authorities and change each year; candidates pay through their school or the official WAEC portal. (West African Examinations Council (WAEC))

WASSCE Core Mathematics Exam Content Outline

28%

Number and Numeration

Number bases and modular arithmetic; fractions, decimals, approximations and significant figures; indices, logarithms and standard form; sequences and series (AP and GP); sets and Venn diagrams; surds; ratio, proportion and rates; percentages and financial arithmetic (simple and compound interest, discount, commission, taxes); and matrices and determinants.

25%

Algebraic Processes

Simplifying algebraic expressions and fractions; expansion and factorisation; solving linear equations and inequalities; quadratic equations by factorisation, completing the square and formula; simultaneous linear equations; change of subject of a formula; and direct, inverse, joint and partial variation.

22%

Geometry and Trigonometry

Angles at a point and on parallel lines; properties of triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons; circle theorems; coordinate geometry of straight lines (gradient, midpoint, distance, equation); loci; trigonometric ratios of acute and special angles; sine and cosine rules; angles of elevation and depression; and bearings.

13%

Statistics and Probability

Frequency distribution tables; bar charts, pie charts and histograms; mean, median and mode for grouped and ungrouped data; range as a measure of dispersion; cumulative frequency and the ogive; and elementary probability of single and combined (mutually exclusive and independent) events.

12%

Mensuration

Perimeters and areas of triangles, quadrilaterals and circles; length of arc and area of sector; surface area and volume of cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres and prisms; and longitude and latitude on the Earth treated as a sphere.

How to Pass the WASSCE Core Mathematics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Graded A1 to F9. A1-C6 are credit grades; C6 (50-54%) is the minimum credit pass commonly required for tertiary admission. D7 and E8 are weak passes, F9 is a fail.
  • Assessment: Two compulsory papers. Paper 1 (Objective): 50 multiple-choice questions, 50 marks, 40% of the subject score. Paper 2 (Essay): Section A has 5 compulsory questions (40 marks) and Section B has 8 questions of which 5 are answered (60 marks), 100 marks, 60% of the subject score.
  • Time limit: Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Exam fee: Registration fees are set per country and series by WAEC and national education authorities and change each year; candidates pay through their school or the official WAEC portal.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

WASSCE Core Mathematics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Work through the WAEC Core/General Mathematics syllabus topic by topic so you cover number, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration and statistics rather than only your favourite areas.
2Practise Paper 1 timing: 50 questions in 90 minutes is under two minutes each, so learn to recognise quick items and skip and return to longer multi-step ones.
3Memorise the core formulae for mensuration (areas and volumes), the sine and cosine rules, the quadratic formula, and simple and compound interest so you do not lose time deriving them.
4Use the provided mathematical tables and a permitted non-programmable calculator efficiently; practise with both so you are fast on logarithms, trigonometric ratios and square roots.
5Show clear working even on objective practice; many WASSCE distractors are the answers you get from one wrong sign, a misread place value, or forgetting to convert units.
6Drill past WASSCE objective papers under timed conditions, then review every wrong answer to identify the exact step where the error happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on WASSCE Core Mathematics Paper 1?

Paper 1 (Objective) has 50 multiple-choice questions drawn from the common areas of the syllabus. It is answered in 1 hour 30 minutes for 50 marks and contributes 40% of the subject score.

What is the structure of WASSCE Core Mathematics Paper 2?

Paper 2 (Essay) has 13 questions in two sections. Section A has 5 compulsory questions worth 40 marks; Section B has 8 questions of which candidates answer 5 for 60 marks. It lasts 2 hours 30 minutes for 100 marks.

What grade do I need to pass WASSCE Mathematics?

WAEC grades run A1 to F9. Grades A1 to C6 are credit grades, and C6 (50-54%) is usually the minimum credit pass required for tertiary admission. D7 and E8 are weak passes and F9 is a fail.

Are calculators allowed in WASSCE Core Mathematics?

Yes. Candidates may use non-programmable, silent electronic calculators in both papers, and mathematical and statistical tables are also provided. Programmable and graphing calculators with stored text are not permitted.

What topics does WASSCE Core Mathematics cover?

The syllabus covers number and numeration, algebraic processes, geometry and trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics and probability. These are common across all WAEC member countries.

Are these official WAEC past-paper questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions modelled on the WAEC Paper 1 objective style. WAEC publishes its own syllabus, e-learning resources and past papers separately.