Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First Term with Answers

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Mathematics exam questions. We will cover Mathematics exam questions for SS1 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Mathematics examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to Mathematics as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Mathematics is one of the most important subjects taught in schools. It deals with numbers, shapes, quantities, and logical reasoning. The subject helps students develop problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.

In Mathematics, students learn topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and trigonometry. These areas provide the foundation for understanding how to measure, calculate, and analyze patterns in everyday life.

Mathematics is not only useful in the classroom; it is also applied in science, engineering, business, technology, and many other fields. A strong background in Mathematics prepares students for success in both academic and real-life situations.

Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First Term

Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS1 Mathematics First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objective Test

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. Simplify 2^(-2) × 〖16〗^(3/4) × 2⁰
A. 1/9         B. 1/3
C. 3            D. 9

2. Without using tables, evaluate 〖(0.027)〗^(-1/3) × 〖(0.09)〗^(3/2)
A. 0.9            B. 0.3
C. 0.03          D. 0.09

3. If a = x + yb³, then b is equal to……
A. (a^(1/3) – x^(1/3))/y
B. 〖((x-a)/y)〗^(1/3)
C. 〖((a-x)/y)〗^(1/3)
D. 〖((a-x)/y)〗³

4. Write the number 0.03249 in standard form to 3 significant figures
A. 3.24 × 10⁻¹
B. 3.24 × 10⁻²
C. 3.25 × 10⁻²
D. 3.25 × 10⁻³

5. Given that x = -1 and y = 2, evaluate (x²– xy)/3
A. –1          B. –2
C. 1            D. 2

6. Convert 69_ten to a number in base two.
A. 1001101
B. 1010001
C. 1000101
D. 100101

7. Find x if 9^{1 + x} × 3 = 27^-x
A. – 1/3           B. 1/3
C. 3/5              D. – 3/5

8. Given that P = {1, 3, 4} and Q = {2, 3, 4}, then P ∩ Q is
A. {1, 2}        B. {2, 3}
C. {2, 4}        D. {3, 4}

9. In a class there are 20 boys and 15 girls. What is the ratio of boys to girls is?
A. 4 : 3
B. 3 : 4
C. 4 : 5
D. none of these

10. For the equation S= √(5x-8), express x in terms of S:
A. x= (S²+ 8)/5
B. x = 5S² + 8
C. x= (S² – 8)/5
D. x = S² + 8

11. Simplify (5x² )³.
A. 15x⁶
B. 53x⁵
C. 125x⁵
D. 125x⁶

12. The product of 0.0022 and 0.017 expressed in standard form is
A. 3.74 × 10^-3
B. 3.74 × 10^-4
C. 3.74 × 10^-5
D. 3.74 × 10^-6

13. 42 students contribute ₦17 each to buy a school chart. How much would each student pay if there are 62 students?
A. ₦20.10       B. ₦15.66
C. ₦17.00       D. ₦11.52

14. Make w the subject of the formula: y = 3w – a.
A. w = 3(y – a)
B. w = 3(y + a)
C. w= (y + a)/3
D. w= (y- a)/3

15. Express 9.45 × 10^-3 in ordinary form:
A. 0.945       B. 0.00945
C. 9.45         D. 0.0945

16. Simplify 〖(0.064)〗^{(- 1/3)}
A. 2          B. 2½
C. 4          D. 1/4

17. The number 110101_two converted to base ten is equal to
A. 4          B. 23
C. 49        D. 53

18. If P = {3, 1, 0, 5}, Q = {2, 3, 8, 1, 4},
R = {7, 6, 5}, then P ∪ Q ∪ R is
A. {5}
B. {3, 8}
C. {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}
D. {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}

19. Given V= 1/3 πr² h, find h as the subject:
A. h= 3V/(πr² )
B. h= (πr²)/3V
C. h=V/(3πr² )
D. h= V/(πr² )

20. Simplify 〖125〗^(1⁄3)
A. 10       B. 5
C. 8         D. 4

Given A = {x : x > 5}, B = {odd numbers} and C = {multiples of 3} are subsets of
U = {1, 2, 3,…..10}. Use this information to answer questions 21, 22 and 23.

21. Find A ∩ B
A. {6, 8, 10}        B. {7, 9}
C. {5, 7}              D. {3, 5, 7}

22. Find (B ∪ C)’
A. {2, 4, 8, 10}
B. {2, 4, 5, 7, 9}
C. {1, 2, 4, 6, 8}
D. {3, 6, 9}

23. A’ ∩ C is given by
A. {3, 6}          B. {3}
C. {1, 3, 6}      D. {3, 6, 9}

24. The number 101.011_two converted to base ten is equal to
A. 2.200         B. 3.125
C. 4.250         D. 5.375

25. Solve for x: 5(2x – 3) = 160
A. 6          B. 7
C. 8          D. 10

26. Find x if 9^(1+x)= 〖27〗^x
A. 1        B. 2
C. 3        D. –1

27. Which of the following is a finite set?
A. {x : x is an integer}
B. {x : x is a prime number less than 20}
C. {x : x is a positive number}
D. {x : x is an even number}

28. A 500-page book, without its covers, is 12mm thick. Calculate the thickness of each leaf of the book.
A. 2.4 × 10^-5m
B. 4.8 × 10^-5m
C. 2.4 × 10^-5m
D. 4.8 × 10^-4m

29. State the characteristic of log 753.6
A. 0        B. 1
C. 2        D. –3

30. Multiply 101_two by 11_two in binary.
A. 11011₂        B. 10011₂
C. 11101₂        D. 10101₂

31. The value of 5410_six – 2535_six is
A. 2431_six
B. 3241_six
C. 3141_six
D. 2531_six

32. If A and B are non-empty sets such that nA. = 15 and nB. = 18. Find n(A ∪ B) given that n(A ∩ B) = 7.
A. 33        B. 26
C. 22        D. 40

33. Which of these is in standard form?
A. 2.5 × 10⁴
B. 25 × 10³
C. 0.25 × 10⁵
D. 2.5 × 10^-3

34. What is the standard form of 80460000?
A. 8.046 × 10⁷
B. 8.046 × 10⁶
C. 8.046 × 10⁹
D. 8.046 × 10⁸

35. If the intersection of three sets A, B, and C is empty, what can be said about them?
A. They are disjoint
B. They are equal
C. They are subsets
D. They are complements

36. If 12 workers can build a wall in 50 hours, how many workers will be required to do the same work in 40 hours?
A. 10        B. 13
C. 14        D. 15

37. Make u the subject of the formula:
v = u + 10t
A. u= (v-10)/t
B. u= (v +10)/t
C. u = v + 10t
D. u = v – 10t

38. Find the value of log 84235
A. 5.9254         B. 4.9253
C. 4.9254         D. 5.9253

39. Logarithm tables were used historically because they convert multiplication into:
A. subtraction
B. addition
C. division
D. exponentiation

40. If x^(1⁄2)=3, find x.
A. 9          B. 6
C. 12        D. 10

41. What operation is performed with logarithms when dividing two numbers?
A. Add their logarithms
B. Multiply their logarithms
C. Subtract their logarithms
D. Square their logarithms

42. Which of the following statements describes the intersection of sets A and B in a Venn diagram?
A. All elements in A but not in B
B. All elements in A ∪ B
C. All elements in both A and B
D. All elements not in A and B

43. Multiply 6.723 × 21.572 using logarithm and anti-logarithm tables.
A. 145.1          B. 14.51
C. 1.451          D. 2.1451

44. The ratio of the ages of two brothers is 5:3. If the older brother is 20 years old, how old is the younger brother?
A. 12         B. 15
C. 18         D. 10

45. Solve the equation, 3x – 7 = 8 – 2x.
A. 1         B. 2
C. 3         D. 4

46. Simplify M⁴ × M^-3 ÷ M^-1
A. 1           B. 1/M
C. M²        D. 1/M²

47. If 431_x – 123_x = 303_x. Find x.
A. 4         B. 5
C. 6         D. 7

48. Solve the equation (3x-1)/5= (x +2)/4
A. 12           B. 5
C. 8             D. 2

49. If X = {2, 4, 6} and Y = {1, 3, 5}, find X ∩ Y.
A. {2, 6}        B. {0}
C. Ø             D. {2, 3}

50. Convert 27eight to base five.
A. 23        B. 43
C. 33        D. 13

SECTION B: Essay / Theory

INSTRUCTION –
Attempt all questions in this section.
Show full workings and write with clarity.

1. A. Simplify (〖16〗^(3⁄4) × 4^(1⁄2))/8^(5⁄3)
B. Solve the equation if: 25^-x = 0.04.

2. Using mathematical tables, evaluate (24.6 × 152.4)/38.7 correct to 3 significant figures.

3. A. Make x the subject of the formula x/a+ y/b=5
B. Hence, find the value of x given that a = 4, b = 2 and y = 3.

4. Out of the 400 students in the final year in a senior secondary school, 300 are offering Biology and 190 are offering Chemistry.
A. How many students are offering both Biology and Chemistry, if only 70 students are offering neither Biology nor Chemistry?
B. How many students are offering exactly one subject?

5. A. Find the mission number if the addition is in base six:
4 4 1 5
+ * * * *
1 1 4 1 3

B. Convert 101.011_two to base ten.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Mathematics exam questions for SS1 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

1. (a) Simplify 163/4×41/285/3\dfrac{16^{3/4}\times 4^{1/2}}{8^{5/3}}

Work:

• Write each base as a power of 2: 16=24,  4=22,  8=2316=2^4,\;4=2^2,\;8=2^3

• 163/4=(24)3/4=24×(3/4)=23=8
  
  

• 41/2=(22)1/2=22×(1/2)=21=2

• 85/3=(23)5/3=23×(5/3)=25=32

• Numerator =8×2=16.=8\times2=16.

• So the expression =1632=12.= \dfrac{16}{32}=\dfrac{1}{2}.

(b) Solve 25−x=0.04.25^{-x}=0.04.
Work:

• Write $0.04$ as a fraction: 0.04=4100=125.0.04=\dfrac{4}{100}=\dfrac{1}{25}.

• So 25−x=125=25−1.25^{-x}=\dfrac{1}{25}=25^{-1}.

• Therefore −x=−1-x=-1    and x=1.x=1.

2. Using mathematical tables, evaluate 24.6×152.438.7\dfrac{24.6\times152.4}{38.7} correct to 3 significant figures.

Work (calculation shown; the same steps would be done using log tables):

• First multiply: 24.6×152.4=3749.04.24.6\times152.4=3749.04.

• Divide: 3749.0438.7≈96.874676…\dfrac{3749.04}{38.7}\approx 96.874676\ldots

• To 3 significant figures: 96.9.
  (When using tables you would take logs of 24.6 and 152.4, add them, subtract log of 38.7, then antilog and round to 3 s.f.)

3. (a) Make x the subject of the formula xa+yb=5.\dfrac{x}{a} + \dfrac{y}{b} = 5.

Work:

• Move yb\dfrac{y}{b}by​ to the right: xa=5−yb.\dfrac{x}{a} = 5 – \dfrac{y}{b}.

• Multiply both sides by $a$: x=a(5−yb).x = a\left(5 – \dfrac{y}{b}\right).

• Or write as a single fraction: x=5ab−ayb.x = \dfrac{5ab – ay}{b}.

(b) Find $x$ when a=4,  b=2,  y=3.a=4,\; b=2,\; y=3.
Work:

• Use x=a(5−yb)x = a\left(5 – \dfrac{y}{b}\right)

• x=4(5−32)=4(5−1.5)=4×3.5=14.x = 4\left(5 – \dfrac{3}{2}\right)=4\left(5 – 1.5\right)=4\times3.5=14.

• So x=14.

4. In a school of 400 final-year students, 300 offer Biology and 190 offer Chemistry. Also 70 offer neither.

(a) How many offer both Biology and Chemistry?
Work:

• Number who offer at least one subject =400−70=330.=400-70=330.

• Using $n(B)+n(C)-n(B\cap C)=$ number who offer at least one, we get
  300+190−n(B∩C)=330.300+190 – n(B\cap C)=330.

• Thus $490-n(B\cap C)=330$ so n(B∩C)=490−330=160.n(B\cap C)=490-330=160.

• 160 students offer both subjects.

(b) How many offer exactly one subject?
Work:

• Exactly one = (number who offer at least one) − (number who offer both) =330−160=170.=330-160=170.

• 170 students offer exactly one of Biology or Chemistry.

5. (a) Find the missing digits (in base six) for the addition

  4  4  1  5+  ∗  ∗  ∗  ∗1  1  4  1  36\begin{array}{r} \;4\;4\;1\;5\\ +\;*\;*\;*\;*\\ \hline 1\;1\;4\;1\;3_6 \end{array}4415+∗∗∗∗114136​​​

(Work in base 6.)
Work column by column from the right (all arithmetic mod 6, carrying to the left):

• Units column: 5+d≡3(mod6).
  So 5+d=3+6⋅1=95 + d = 3 + 6\cdot1 = 9. Hence d=4d=4 Carry $1$.

• Next column: 1+c+carry 1≡1(mod6).1 + c + \text{carry }1 \equiv 1 \pmod 6.
  So 1+c+1=1+6⋅11 + c +1 = 1 + 6\cdot1→ c+2=7c+2 = 7 → c=5. Carry $1$.

• Next column: 4+b+carry 1≡4(mod6).4 + b + \text{carry }1 \equiv 4 \pmod 6.
  So 4+b+1=4+6⋅14 + b +1 = 4 + 6\cdot1 → b+5=10 → b=5b=5. Carry $1$.

• Next column: 4+a+carry 1≡1(mod6).4 + a + \text{carry }1 \equiv 1 \pmod 6.
  So $4+a+1=1+6\cdot 1$ → a+5=7a+5 =7 → $a=2$. Carry 1 to give the leftmost 1.

Therefore the missing addend (in base six) is   2  5  5  46

(b) Convert 101.0112​ to base ten.
Work:

• Integer part: 1⋅22+0⋅21+1⋅20=4+0+1=5.1\cdot2^2 + 0\cdot2^1 + 1\cdot2^0 = 4 + 0 + 1 = 5.

• Fraction part: 0⋅2−1+1⋅2−2+1⋅2−3=14+18=38=0.375.

• Total =5+0.375=5.375.=5 + 0.375 = 5.375.

How to Pass Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 First Term

Passing your Mathematics exam questions for SS1 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus and topics

• Find the list of topics for SS1 first term. Focus on those topics first.
• Common topics are sets, indices, standard form (scientific notation), logarithms, simple equations, number bases, and basic geometry.

2. Build strong basics

• Master number facts: squares, cubes, fractions, percentages and common conversions.
• Learn index laws by heart. Practice using them until they feel natural.
• Know how to convert between standard form and ordinary numbers quickly.

3. Practice with purpose

• Solve many past objective questions and essay questions on those topics.
• Time yourself. Practice under exam conditions so you can manage the actual test time.
• For numerical work, practise using logarithm tables and doing quick antilogs if your syllabus requires them.

4. Learn exam technique

• Read each question carefully. Underline key words and numbers.
• For objective questions, eliminate impossible choices first. That raises your chance of guessing correctly.
• Work neatly. Write each step. Examiners award method marks when steps are shown.
• Attempt all questions you can. For multiple choice, an educated guess is better than a blank answer.

5. Manage time well

• Divide the exam time: spend less time on easy objective items and more on long theory questions.
• If a question is taking too long, move on and come back later.

6. Check answers

• If time allows, recheck calculations and units. Small arithmetic slips cost marks.
• For algebra, substitute your answer back into the original equation when possible.

7. Common traps and how to avoid them

• Don’t forget negative signs and powers when using index laws.
• Be careful with decimal places when converting to standard form.
• When using logarithm tables, always separate characteristic and mantissa correctly.
• In set questions, list elements clearly before answering.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS1 First Term Questions on Mathematics, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Best wishes.