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 JSS3 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)
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mathematics as a School Subject
Before we venture into Past Mathematics Exam Questions for JSS3 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:
Mathematics is one of the core subjects taught in schools. It deals with numbers, shapes, measurements, and logical reasoning. The subject helps students to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations. Mathematics is not only important for science and technology but also for everyday activities such as managing money, measuring, and decision-making. Because of its wide application, Mathematics is considered a foundation for many other school subjects and future careers.
Mathematics Exam Questions for JSS3 First Term
Mathematics Exam Questions for JSS3 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 JSS3 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: Objectives
Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.
1. Convert the decimal number 25 into binary.
A. 10101Â Â Â Â Â B. 11001
C. 10011Â Â Â Â Â D. 11101
2. Which of the following is the binary equivalent of decimal 13?
A. 1101Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 1011
C. 1110Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 1001
3. (Base-2) 1010 + 0111 equals:
A. 10001Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 1101
C. 10011Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 1000
4. Which of the following numbers is irrational?
A. 22/7         B. √2
C. 0.75Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 7/3
5. Simplify: 3x + 5x − 2x.
A. 6x          B. 10x
C. 8x          D. 0
6. Factorize: x² − 9.
A. (x − 3)(x + 3)
B. (x − 9)(x + 1)
C. (x − 1)(x + 9)
D. (x − 3)²
7. Solve for x: 2x = 10.
A. 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 3
C. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 10
8. Solve: (1/2)x = 6.
A. x = 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. x = 12
C. x = 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. x = 9
9. Change the subject: From A = lb, make l the subject.
A. l = A/b
B. l = A × b
C. l = A − b
D. l = b/A
10. If the mean of 2, 4, 6, 8 is m, then m =
A. 4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 5
C. 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 8
11. The mode of the data set {3, 5, 3, 8, 9} is:
A. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 3
C. 8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 9
12. The median of {1, 4, 7, 10, 13} is:
A. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 6
C. 8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 10
13. Evaluate: (4/5) ÷ (2/5) =
A. 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 1/2
C. 4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 8/25
14. Which of the following is a prime number?
A. 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 29
C. 35Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 39
15. If a : b = 3 : 4, then b : a =
A. 3:4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 4:3
C. 1:1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 9:16
16. The LCM of 6 and 8 is:
A. 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 24
C. 48Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 12
17. The HCF (GCD) of 18 and 24 is:
A. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 6
C. 9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 12
18. Simplify: (x2 * x3).
A. x5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. x6
C. x9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. x
19. Which expression is equivalent to (a + b)(a − b)?
A. a² + b²
B. a² − b²
C. a² + 2ab + b²
D. a² − 2ab + b²
20. Solve: x/3 + 2 = 7.
A. x = 15
B. x = 10
C. x = 5
D. x = 3
21. If the interest on ₦1000 for 2 years at simple interest is ₦120, the rate per annum is:
A. 6%Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 12%
C. 5%Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 10%
22. What is 20% of 150?
A. 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 20
C. 30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 25
23. Which of the following is an example of a rational number?
A. π            B. √2
C. 1.25Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. e
24. If a = 3 and b = 4, the value of (a² + b²) is:
A. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 25
C. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 12
25. Which of the following is the result of (2x − 3) − (x + 1)?
A. x − 4       B. 3x − 2
C. x − 2       D. x + 4
26. Evaluate: 50 =
A. 0Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 1
C. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. Undefined
27. In a right-angled triangle, sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse. If opposite = 3 and hypotenuse = 5, sin(θ) =
A. 3/5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 4/5
C. 5/3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 3/4
28. cos(θ) in the triangle above is:
A. 4/5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 3/5
C. 5/4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 1/2
29. Which of the following shapes has 4 equal sides and 4 right angles?
A. Rectangle
B. Rhombus
C. Square
D. Parallelogram
30. Perimeter of a rectangle of length 8 cm and breadth 3 cm is:
A. 11 cm       B. 22 cm
C. 24 cm       D. 48 cm
31. If the circumference of a circle is 44 cm, the radius (use π = 22/7) is:
A. 7 cm        B. 14 cm
C. 3.5 cm     D. 11 cm
32. The area of a triangle with base 10 cm and height 6 cm is:
A. 30 cm²      B. 60 cm²
C. 16 cm²      D. 40 cm²
33. Which one is a proper fraction?
A. 7/4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 9/9
C. 3/5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 5/2
34. Convert 0.125 to a fraction.
A. 1/8
B. 1/4
C. 125/1000
D. 5/8
35. The reciprocal of 5/8 is:
A. 8/5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 5/8
C. 1/5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 3/5
36. If 4x − 1 = 15, x =
A. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 4
C. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 16
37. Expand: (x + 2)²
A. x² + 4
B. x² + 4x + 4
C. x² + 2x + 2
D. x² + x + 4
38. Which of the following is an algebraic expression?
A. 3 + 4
B. 2x + 5
C. 7 ÷ 0
D. 9 × 3
39. If the class frequencies are 2, 4, 6, 8 for marks 10, 20, 30, 40 respectively, the modal class is:
A. 10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 20
C. 30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 40
40. 7 × (−3) + 5 =
A. −21        B. −16
C. 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 26
41. Express 45 minutes as a fraction of 3 hours.
A. 1/4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 3/4
C. 1/2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 3/8
42. If the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 5 : 3 and there are 40 pupils, number of girls =
A. 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 16
C. 20Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 24
43. The decimal 0.333… as a fraction is:
A. 1/3
B. 3/10
C. 33/100
D. 1/30
44. If x² = 49, x can be:
A. 7 only
B. −7 only
C. 7 or −7
D. 0
45. Which of the following numbers is divisible by 3?
A. 124Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 137
C. 132Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 125
46. The product of the roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0 is:
A. 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 5
C. −6        D. 1
47. Reduce to lowest terms: 42/56 =
A. 3/4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 6/7
C. 21/28Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 2/3
48. Which angle is less than 90°?
A. Right       B. Obtuse
C. Acute      D. Straight
49. The gradient (slope) of a horizontal line is:
A. 0
B. 1
C. Undefined
D. −1
50. If 3/4 of a number is 18, the number is:
A. 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 24
C. 72Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 21
51. Which of the following is an even prime number?
A. 0Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 2
C. 4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 6
52. Evaluate: 9 − (2 × 3) + 4.
A. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 13
C. 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 9
53. Which of these is the correct order from smallest to largest?
A. 0.2, 0.25, 1/3
B. 1/3, 0.25, 0.2
C. 0.25, 0.2, 1/3
D. 0.2, 1/3, 0.25
54. The place value of 7 in 4, 721 is:
A. 700Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 70
C. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 7000
55. The angle sum of a triangle is:
A. 90°        B. 180°
C. 360°      D. 270°
56. If the probability of rain is 1/4, the probability of no rain is:
A. 1/3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 3/4
C. 1/4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 0
57. Which of the following is the expansion of (2x + 3)(x − 1)?
A. 2x² + 3x − 2x − 3
B. 2x² − 2x + 3x − 3
C. 2x² + x − 3
D. All of the above
58. A student scored 12, 15, 18, 15, 20. The mean score is:
A. 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 16
C. 18Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 14
59. The decimal 0.2 as a fraction is:
A. 1/2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â B. 1/5
C. 2/10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â D. 5/10
60. Which of the following equations has no solution?
A. 2x + 3 = 7
B. 0x = 5
C. x − 4 = 0
D. 3x = 9
SECTION B: Essay
INSTRUCTION – Answer all five (5) questions in this section.
1. (a) Convert the binary number 11011 to its decimal equivalent. Show working.
(b) Convert decimal 45 to binary. Show working.
2. (a) Factorize completely: x² − 5x − 14.
(b) Hence, solve x² − 5x − 14 = 0.
3. (a) Solve for x: (2/3)x − 4 = 8.
(b) A shop gives a 15% discount on a price of ₦2,000. Find the new price.
4. (a) A right-angled triangle has legs 6 cm and 8 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
(b) Find sin θ and cos θ for the angle opposite the side of length 6 cm.
5. (a) The marks of 8 students are: 12, 15, 18, 15, 20, 14, 16, 10. Find the mean, median and mode.
(b) State one difference between mean and mode.
Read Also: Mathematics Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term
Answers to Mathematics Exam Questions for JSS3 First Term
Answers to Section A (Objective Test)
The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Mathematics exam questions for JSS3 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.
| Q.No | Ans | Q.No | Ans | Q.No | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 2 | A | 3 | C |
| 4 | B | 5 | A | 6 | A |
| 7 | C | 8 | B | 9 | A |
| 10 | B | 11 | B | 12 | A |
| 13 | A | 14 | B | 15 | B |
| 16 | B | 17 | B | 18 | A |
| 19 | B | 20 | B | 21 | D |
| 22 | C | 23 | C | 24 | B |
| 25 | A | 26 | B | 27 | A |
| 28 | A | 29 | C | 30 | B |
| 31 | A | 32 | A | 33 | C |
| 34 | A | 35 | A | 36 | C |
| 37 | B | 38 | B | 39 | D |
| 40 | B | 41 | A | 42 | B |
| 43 | A | 44 | C | 45 | C |
| 46 | A | 47 | B | 48 | C |
| 49 | A | 50 | B | 51 | B |
| 52 | A | 53 | A | 54 | A |
| 55 | B | 56 | B | 57 | D |
| 58 | B | 59 | B | 60 | B |
So here you have the answers to the objective section of Mathematics Exam Questions for JSS3 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) Convert the binary number 11011 to decimal.
11011₂ = 1×24 + 1×23 + 0×22 + 1×21 + 1×20
= 16 + 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 27
(b) Convert decimal 45 to binary. Show working.
Divide by 2 and record remainders:
45 ÷ 2 = 22 remainder 1
22 ÷ 2 = 11 remainder 0
11 ÷ 2 = 5 remainder 1
5 ÷ 2 = 2 remainder 1
2 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 0
1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1
Read remainders from bottom to top: 101101â‚‚
2.
(a) Factorize completely: x² − 5x − 14.
Find two numbers that multiply to −14 and add to −5: −7 and +2.
So x² − 5x − 14 = (x − 7)(x + 2).
(b) Hence, solve x² − 5x − 14 = 0.
(x − 7)(x + 2) = 0 → x − 7 = 0 or x + 2 = 0 → x = 7 or x = −2.
3.
(a) Solve for x: (2/3)x − 4 = 8.
(2/3)x − 4 = 8 → (2/3)x = 12 → x = 12 × (3/2) = 18.
(b) A shop gives a 15% discount on ₦2,000. Find the new price.
Discount = 15% of 2000 = 0.15 × 2000 = ₦300.
New price = 2000 − 300 = ₦1,700.
4.
(a) Right-angled triangle legs 6 cm and 8 cm. Find hypotenuse.
Hypotenuse = √(6² + 8²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10 cm.
(b) For the angle opposite the side 6 cm, find sin θ and cos θ.
Hypotenuse = 10, opposite = 6, adjacent = 8.
sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse = 6/10 = 3/5.
cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse = 8/10 = 4/5.
5.
(a) Marks: 12, 15, 18, 15, 20, 14, 16, 10. Find mean, median and mode.
Sum = 12 + 15 + 18 + 15 + 20 + 14 + 16 + 10 = 120.
Mean = 120 ÷ 8 = 15.
Sort data: 10, 12, 14, 15, 15, 16, 18, 20.
Median = average of 4th and 5th values = (15 + 15) ÷ 2 = 15.
Mode = 15 (most frequent value).
(b) State one difference between mean and mode.
Mean is the average of all values. Mode is the value that occurs most often.
How to Pass Mathematics Exam Questions for JSS3 First Term
Passing your Mathematics exam questions for JSS3 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:
1. Know the syllabus
List the topics set for the first term. Typical topics: number bases, fractions, factorization, simple algebra, ratio, percentage, basic trigonometry, area and perimeter, measures of central tendency. Cover each topic in turn.
2. Plan short, daily practice
- Study 30–45 minutes each day.
- Do 10 mixed questions daily. Time yourself.
- Spend extra time on topics you weakly understand.
3. Master number work
Be fast with basic operations. Learn multiplication tables to 12. Convert fractions, decimals and percentages quickly. These save time in exams.
4. Learn key methods, not just answers
- Binary ⇢ divide by 2 and read remainders.
- Factorization ⇢ find two numbers that multiply to the constant and add to the middle term.
- Solving linear equations ⇢ isolate the unknown step by step.
- Trigonometry ⇢ remember sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse.
5. Practice BECE-style questions
Do past questions and timed quizzes. Mark them yourself. Learn from mistakes. Repeat similar questions until you get them right every time.
6. Show clear working in theory questions
Write steps neatly. Use small labels (e.g., “Let x = …”, “Therefore …”). Examiners give marks for method. Even if the final answer is wrong, method can earn points.
7. Exam-day tactics
- Read the paper fast. Answer easy questions first.
- Manage time: leave harder questions for later.
- Check calculations. Rework any step you doubt.
- If stuck, try a simple number to test an idea.
8. Common mistakes to avoid
- Rushed arithmetic — always re-check sums.
- Forgetting units (cm, cm², ₦).
- Wrong place value when converting decimals.
- Careless sign errors in algebra (positive/negative).
9. Quick daily checklist (use before study)
- Read one topic note.
- Solve five practice questions.
- Mark and correct mistakes.
- Summarize one rule in one sentence.
- Rest and sleep well.
10. Short motivational close
Practice bit by bit. Small wins add up. Keep your books. Ask for help when you need it. You can pass. Work and believe.
It’s a wrap!
If you need more clarification on JSS3 First Term Questions on Mathematics, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.
Best wishes.
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