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Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Mensuration (Areas, Perimeters & Volumes)
Solution
The diagram shows a wooden structure in the form of a cone, mounted on a hemispherical base. The vertical height of the cone is 24cm and the base height 7cm. Calculate, correct to three significant figures, the surface area of the structure. [Take \(\pi = \frac{22}{7}\)].
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
Let the slant height = L ; height = 24cm ; r = 7cm.
\(\therefore L^{2} = 24^{2} + 7^{2} = 576 + 49 = 625\)
\(L = \sqrt{625} = 25cm\)
Surface area of the structure = Area of cone + Area of hemisphere
= \(\pi r L + 2 \pi r^{2} = \pi r (L + 2r)\)
= \(\frac{22}{7} \times 7 (25 + 2(7))\)
= \(22 \times 39 = 858 cm^{2}\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54668)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Plane Geometry, Polygons & Circle Theorems
Using a ruler and a pair of compasses only, construct a triangle ABC, given that |AB| = 8.4cm, |BC| = 6.5cm and < ABC = 30^\circ. Construct the locus:
(a) \(l_{1}\) of points equidistant from AB and BC, and within the angle ABC;
(b) \(l_{2}\) of points equidistant from B and C. Locate the point of intersection P of \(l_{1}\) and \(l_{2}\). Measure |AP|.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
No expanded working has been attached for this question yet. The verified answer is Option .
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54671)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Trigonometry, Elevation & Bearings
Solution
(a) If \(\cos \alpha = 0.6717\), use mathematical tables to find (i) \(\alpha\) ; (ii) \(\sin \alpha\)
(b) The angle of depression of a point P on the ground, from the top T of a building is 23.6^\circ. If the distance of P from the foot of the building is 50m, calculate the height of the building, correct to the nearest metre.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) (i) Given \(\cos \alpha = 0.6717\)
\(\alpha = \cos^{-1} 0.6717 = 47.8^\circ\)
(From cosine of angle table)
(ii) \(\sin 47.8^\circ = 0.7408\)
(b)
From the diagram, \(< BPT = < PTR = 23.6^\circ\)
\(\therefore |BT| = |BP| \tan 23.6^\circ\)
= \(50 \tan 23.6^\circ = 50 \times 0.4369\)
= \(21.8469 m\)
\(\therefore\) The height of the building = 22m (to the nearest metre).
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54675)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Mensuration (Areas, Perimeters & Volumes)
Solution
(a)
In the diagram, O is the centre of the circle radius 3.2cm. If < PRQ = 42^\circ, calculate, correct to two decimal places, the area of the:
(i) minor sector POQ ; (ii) shaded part.
(b) If the sector POQ in (a) is used to form the curved surface of a cone with vertex O, calculate the base radius of the cone, correct to one decimal place.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) (i) Area of minor segment POQ = \(\frac{84}{360} \times \frac{22}{7} \times (3.2)^{2}\)
= \(\frac{11 \times 10.24}{15}\)
= \(7.5093 cm^{2} \approxeq 7.51 cm^{2}\) (2 decimal places)
(ii) Area of \(\Delta\) in POQ = \(\frac{1}{2} \times 3.2 \times 3.2 \times \sin 84^\circ\)
= \(\frac{127.296}{25} = 5.0918 cm^{2}\)
Area of segment PQ (shaded part) = Area of sector POQ - Area of triangle
= \(7.5093 cm^{2} - 5.0918 cm^{2} = 2.4175 cm^{2}\)
\(\approxeq 2.42 cm^{2}\)
(b) Area of sector POQ = Curved surface area of the cone
\(7.5093 cm^{2} = \pi rl\)
where r = base radius, L = slant height = 3.2cm
\(7.5093 = \frac{22}{7} \times r \times 3.2 = \frac{70.4r}{7}\)
\(70.4r = 7.5093 \times 7 \implies r = \frac{7.5093 \times 7}{70.4} = 0.7467 cm\)
\(\approxeq 0.7cm\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54685)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Permutations, Combinations & Probability
Solution
When a stone is thrown vertically upwards, its distance d metres after t seconds is given by the formula \(d = 60t - 10t^{2}\). Draw the graph of \(d = 60t - 10t^{2}\) for values of t from 1 to 5 seconds using 2cm to 1 unit on the t- axis and 2cm to 20 units on the d- axis.
(a) Using your graph, (i) how long does it take to reach a height of 70 metres? (ii) determine the height of the stone after 5 seconds. (iii) after how many seconds does it reach its maximum height.
(b) Determine the slope of the graph when t = 4 seconds.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
Table of values of \(d = 60t - 10t^{2}\)
t
1
2
3
4
5
\(60t\)
60
120
180
240
300
\(- 10t^{2}\)
-10
-40
-90
-160
-250
d
50
80
90
80
50
(a)(i) It takes 1.6 seconds to reach a height of 70 metres.
(ii) Height of stone at 5 seconds was 50 metres but after 5 seconds, d < 50 metres.
(iii) It reaches its maximum height after 2.9 seconds.
(b) From the graph, the gradient of the slope = \(\frac{AB}{BC}\)
= \(\frac{56}{2.8} = 20 m/s\)
But it is a negative slope, hence the slope = -20 m/s.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54686)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Plane Geometry, Polygons & Circle Theorems
Solution
(a) (i) Prove that the angle which an arc of a circle subtends at the centre is twice that which it subtends at any point on the remaining part of the circumference.
(ii) In the diagram above, O is the centre of the circle and PT is a diameter. If < PTQ = 22^\circ and < TOR = 98^\circ, calculate < QRS.
(b) ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral and the diagonals AC and BD intersect at H. If < DAC = 41^\circ and < AHB = 70^\circ, calculate < ABC.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a)(i)
Given a circle APB with centre O.
To prove that < AOB = 2 < APB.
Construction: Draw PO and produce it to Q.
Proof : Referring to the lettering in the figure, |OA| = |OB| (radius)
\(\therefore x_{1} = x_{2}\) (base angles of isosceles triangle)
\(< AOQ = x_{1} + x_{2}\) (exterior angles of triangle AOP)
\(\therefore < AOQ = 2x_{2} (x_{1} = x_{2})\)
Similarly, \(< BOQ = 2y_{2}\)
\(< AOB = < AOQ + < BOQ \)
Hence, \(< AOB = 2x_{2} + 2y_{2} = 2(x_{2} + y_{2})\)
= \(2 \times < APB\)
(ii)
From the figure, \(|OQ| = |QT|\) (radius)
\(< OQT = 22^\circ = < QTO\) (base angles of isosceles triangle)
\(\therefore < POQ = 44^\circ \) (exterior angle of \(\Delta\) QOT)
\(< QOR = 180^\circ - (44^\circ + 98^\circ) = 180^\circ - 142^\circ = 38^\circ\) (Angles on a straight line)
\(< QOR = 2 \times < QSR = 38^\circ\)
\(\therefore < QSR = \frac{38^\circ}{2} = 19^\circ\)
(b)
\(< BHC = (180^\circ - 70^\circ) = 110^\circ\) (angle on a straight line)
\(< DAC = 41^\circ = < DBC\) (angles on the same segment)
But \(< DBC = < HBC\)
\(< AHB = < HBC + < HCB \) (exterior angles of \(\Delta\) BHC)
\(70^\circ = 41^\circ + < HCB \implies < HCB = 70^\circ - 41^\circ = 29^\circ\)
\(< ACB = < HCB = 29^\circ\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54687)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Sequences & Series (AP & GP)
Solution
(a) In an A.P, the difference between the 8th and 4th terms is 20 and the 8th term is \(1\frac{1}{2}\) times the 4th term. What is the:
(i) common difference ; (ii) first term of the sequence?
(b) The value of a machine depreciates each year by 5% of its value at the beginning of that year. If its value when new on 1st January 1980 was N10,250.00, what was its value in January 1989 when it was 9 years old? Give your answer correct to three significant figures.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) \(T_{n} = a + (n - 1) d\) (terms of an A.P)
Given: \(T_{8} - T_{4} = 20\)
\(T_{8} = 1\frac{1}{2} \times T_{4}\)
\(\therefore a + 7d - (a + 3d) = 20\)
\(4d = 20 \implies d = 5\)
(ii) Put d = 5 in the equation
\(a + 7d = 1\frac{1}{2} \times (a + 3d)\)
\(a + 7d = 1.5a + 4.5d\)
\(7d - 4.5d = 1.5a - a \implies 2.5d = 0.5a\)
\(a = \frac{2.5 \times 5}{0.5} = 25\)
(b) \(A = P(1 - \frac{r}{100})^{n}\)
where P = N10,250.00
r = 5%
n = 9
\(\therefore A = (10,250) (1 - \frac{5}{100})^{9}\)
= \(10,250 \times (0.95)^{9} = 10,250 \times 0.6302\)
= \(N6,460.056 \approxeq N6,460\) (to 3 sig. figs)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54688)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Permutations, Combinations & Probability
Solution
(a) A pair of fair dice each numbered 1 to 6 is tossed. Find the probability of getting a sum of at least 9.
(b) If the probability that a civil servant owns a car is \(\frac{1}{6}\), find the probability that:
(i) two civil servants, A and B, selected at random each owns a car ; (ii) of two civil servants, C and D selected at random, only one owns a car ; (iii) of three civil servants, X, Y and Z, selected at random, only one owns a car.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) Sample space for a pair of fair dice = 36 results
+
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total with sum at least 9 = 10
P(sum at least 9) = \(\frac{10}{36} = \frac{5}{18}\)
(b) P(civil servant owns a car) = \(\frac{1}{6}\)
P(civil servant owns no car) = \(\frac{5}{6}\)
(i) P(A and B own a car) = \(\frac{1}{6} \times \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1}{36}\)
(ii) P(C and D, only one owns a car) = P(C owns, not D) + P(not C but D owns)
= \((\frac{1}{6} \times \frac{5}{6}) + (\frac{5}{6} \times \frac{1}{6})\)
= \(\frac{5}{36} + \frac{5}{36}\)
= \(\frac{10}{36} = \frac{5}{18}\)
(iii) P(of X, Y and Z, only one owns a car) = P(X owns a car, not Y, not Z) + P(not X, Y owns a car, not Z) + P(not X, not Y, Z owns a car)
= \(3(\frac{1}{6} \times \frac{5}{6} \times \frac{5}{6})\)
= \(3 \times \frac{25}{216}\)
= \(\frac{25}{72}\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54690)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Trigonometry, Elevation & Bearings
Solution
(a) Triangle PQR is right-angled at Q. PQ = 3a cm and QR = 4a cm. Determine PR in terms of a.
(b) Ayo travels a distance of 24km from X on a bearing of 060^\circ to Y. He then travels a distance of 18km to a point Z and Z is 30km from X.
(i) Draw the diagram to show the positions of X, Y and Z ; (ii) What is the bearing of Z from Y ; (iii) Calculate the bearing of X from Z.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a)
From the diagram and by Pythagoras theorem,
\(|PR|^{2} = |PQ|^{2} + |QR|^{2}\)
\(|PR|^{2} = (3a)^{2} + (4a)^{2}\)
\(|PR|^{2} = 9a^{2} + 16a^{2} = 25a^{2}\)
\(|PR| = \sqrt{25a^{2}} = 5a\)
(b)
(ii) From the figure, Bearing of Y from X = 060^\circ
Using cosine rule,
\(\cos XYZ = \frac{24^{2} + 18^{2} - 30^{2}}{2 \times 24 \times 18}\)
\(\cos XYZ = 0 \implies < XYZ = 90^\circ\)
\(< RYZ = 90^\circ - 60^\circ = 30^\circ\)
\(< N_{2} YZ = 180^\circ - 30^\circ = 150^\circ\) (angles on a straight line)
The bearing of Z from Y is 150^\circ.
(iii) \(\cos XZY = \frac{30^{2} + 18^{2} - 24^{2}}{2 \times 30 \times 18}\)
= \(\frac{900 + 324 - 576}{1080}\)
\(\cos XZY = \frac{648}{1080} = 0.6\)
\(< XZY = \cos^{-1} (0.6) = 53.13^\circ\)
\(\therefore\) The bearing of X from Y = 360^\circ - (53.13^\circ + 30^\circ) = 276.87^\circ.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54692)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1989
Linear, Simultaneous & Quadratic Equations
Solution
(a) Derive the smallest equation whose coefficients are integers and which has roots of \(\frac{1}{2}\) and -7.
(b) Three years ago, a father was four times as old as his daughter is now. The product of their present ages is 430. Calculate the ages of the father and daughter.
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) Roots of the equation = \(\frac{1}{2}\) and -7
\(\therefore (x - \frac{1}{2})(x + 7) = 0\)
\(x^{2} - \frac{1}{2} x + 7x - \frac{7}{2} = 0\)
\(x^{2} + \frac{13}{2} x - \frac{7}{2} = 0\)
Multiply through by 2 to get integers as coefficients,
\(2x^{2} + 13x - 7 = 0\)
(b) Let the father and daughter's present ages be r and t respectively.
Three years ago, father = (r - 3) years
\((r - 3) = 4t \implies r = (4t + 3) ... (1)\)
\(r \times t = 430 ... (2)\)
Substitute (1) in (2),
\((4t + 3) \times t = 430 \implies 4t^{2} + 3t = 430\)
\(\implies 4t^{2} + 3t - 430 = 0\)
\(4t^{2} - 40t + 43t - 430 = 0\)
\(4t(t - 10) + 43(t - 10) = 0\)
\(\therefore (4t + 43)(t - 10) = 0\)
\(t = \frac{-43}{4}; t = 10\)
Since t is age, it cannot be negative. Hence, t = 10 years.
Recall : \(r = 4t + 3\)
\(\therefore r = 4(10) + 3 = 40 + 3 = 43\)
Therefore, the father's present age is 43 years while the daughter's age is 10 years.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54693)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1988
Algebraic Expressions, Polynomials & Factorisation
Solution
Evaluate (101.5)2 - (100.5)2
A
1
B
2.02
C
20.02
D
202
E
2020
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option D
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(101.5)2 - (100.5)2;(101.5 + 100.5)
202 x 1
= 202
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #22007)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1988
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages & Approximations
Solution
Express the product of 0.06 and 0.09 in standard form
A
5.4 * 10-1
B
5.4*10-2
C
5.4*10-3
D
5.4*102
E
5.4*103
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option C
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
0.06 x 0.09 = 0.0054
= 5.4 x 10-3
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #22008)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1988
Indices, Logarithms & Surds
Solution
Simplify 36\(^\frac{1}{2}\) x 64\(^{-\frac{1}{3}}\) x 5\(^0\)
A
0
B
1\24
C
2/3
D
11/2
E
71/2
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option D
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
36\(^\frac{1}{2}\) x 64\(^{-\frac{1}{3}}\) x 5\(^0\)
= \(6 \times \frac{1}{4} \times 1\)
= \(1\frac{1}{2}\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #22012)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1988
Sequences & Series (AP & GP)
Solution
Find the 8th term of the A.P -3, -1, 1 ......
A
13
B
11
C
-8
D
-11
E
-17
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option B
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
Un = a + (n-1)d
     = -3 + (8 - 1)2
     = 11
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #22014)
Mathematics
WAEC / WASSCE 1988
Statistics (Data Representation, Central Tendency & Dispersion)
Diagram
Solution
A group of students took a test and the following frequency table shows the scores above
Find the mode
Attached Figure / Diagram
A
2
B
3
C
4
D
5
E
7
medium Difficulty
Verified Correct Answer: Option C
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
The mode=4. It has the highest frequency of 7
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #22018)