WAEC Mathematics Past Questions & Answers - Page 3

11.

Solve: \(log_3 x + log_3 (x - 8) = 2\)

A.

8

B.

6

C.

9

D.

7

Correct answer is C

\(log_3 x + log_3 (x - 8) = 2\)

 

\(log_3 x(x - 8) = log_39\) since 2 =   \(log_39\)


\(log_3\) cancels out


⇒ x(x - 8) = 9

⇒ \(x^2 - 8x = 9\)

⇒ \(x^2 - 8x - 9 = 0\)

⇒ \(x^2 - 9x + x - 9 = 0\)

⇒ x(x - 9) + 1(x - 9) = 0

⇒ (x - 9)(x + 1) = 0

⇒ x = 9 or x = -1

Since we can't have a log of negative numbers,

∴ x = 9.

12.

In the diagram, NR is a diameter, ∠MNR = x° and, ∠SRN = (5x + 20)°. Find the value of 2x.

A.

\(42^0\)

B.

\(35^0\)

C.

\(20^0\)

D.

\(90^0\)

Correct answer is B

∠RMN = 90° (angles in a semicircle is a right angle)
∠SRN = ∠RMN + ∠MNR (ext. angle of a ∆ is equal to the sum of two opp. int. angles)
⇒ 5x + 20 = 90 + x
⇒ 5x - x = 90 - 20
⇒ 4x = 70

x = \(\frac{70}{4}\)

 = 17.4°

therefore, 2x = 2\(\times17.5\) = 35°

13.

The price of a shoe was decreased by 22%. If the new price is $27.3. what is the original price.

A.

$62.30

B.

$42.30

C.

$72.00

D.

$35.00

Correct answer is D

Let x = original price

A decrease of 22% = (100-22)% = 78% of the original price.

78% of x = 27.30

= \(\frac{78x}{100} = 27.30\)

78x = 2730

then, x = \(\frac{2730}{78}\)

x =  35

Therefore, the original price of the shoe was  $35.00.

14.

Write the name of a triangle with the vertices (1, -3), (6, 2) and (0,4)?

A.

Scalene triangle

B.

Isosceles triangle

C.

Right -angle triangle

D.

Equilateral triangle

Correct answer is B

 Let A = (1, -3), B = (6, 2) and C = (0,4)

\(d =\sqrt{ (y_2 - y_1)^2 + (x_2 - x_1)^2}\)
|AB| = \(\sqrt{(2 - (-3))^2 + (6 - 1)^2}\) 
= \(\sqrt{(2 + 3)^2 + (6 - 1)^2}\) 
= \(\sqrt{5^2 + 5^2}\) 
= \(\sqrt{25 + 25}\)
= \(\sqrt50\)
= 5\(\sqrt2\) units

|BC| = \(\sqrt{(4 - 2)^2 + (0 - 6)^2}\)
= \(\sqrt{2^2 + (-6)^2}\)
= \(\sqrt{4 + 36}\)
= \(\sqrt40\) 
= 2\(\sqrt10\)  units

|AC| = \(\sqrt{(4 - (-3)^2 + (0 - 1)^2}\)
= \(\sqrt{(4 + 3)^2 + (0 - 1)^2}\)
= \(\sqrt{7^2 + (-1)^2}\) 
= \(\sqrt{49 + 1}\) 
= \(\sqrt50\)
= 5\(\sqrt{2}\)  units

Since two sides are equal (|AB| = |AC|), then the triangle is Isosceles.

15.

Consider the statements:
p: Siah is from Foya.
q: Foya is in Lofa.
Write in symbolic for the statement: "If Siah is from Foya, then Foya is in Lofa"

A.

~q ⇔ p

B.

q ⇒ p

C.

p ⇒ q

D.

p ⇔ q

Correct answer is C

The symbolic form for the statement "If Siah is from Foya, then Foya is in Lofa" is:

p ⇒ q

This is read as "p implies q". It means that if p is true, then q must also be true.

In other words, if Siah is from Foya, then Foya must be in Lofa.