The new WAEC syllabus for mathematics is now out. All 2023/2024 WASSCE candidates are encouraged to download and read the complete scheme of work here and read.
WAEC syllabus shows you all the areas of concentration (approved WAEC topics) for maths which you must read in preparation for the forthcoming exam.
One thing you should not about the English Language WAEC syllabus is that they are real. So, if you are still wondering whether or not WASSCE syllabus are legit, it is legit.
SEE ALSO: WAEC Syllabus for English Language PDF Download
Why is WAEC syllabus Important?
Syllabus show you all the relevant topics and areas of concentration where you must read for you to pass. These topics are approved by the West African Examination Council in order to direct the students in their preparation for exams.
It saves you the stress of reading different topics in different textbooks as you have all the recommended textbooks and authors for you to read.
NOTE: This syllabus is for both internal (SSCE) and external (GCE) candidates. So, whether you are writing WAEC SCCE or GCE you can use this syllabus to prepare for your exams.
Aim of the Syllabus
The aims of the syllabus are to test candidates:
- mathematical competency and computational skills;
- understanding of mathematical concepts and their relationship to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world;
- ability to translate problems into mathematical language and solve them using appropriate methods;
- ability to be accurate to a degree relevant to the problem at hand;
- logical, abstract and precise thinking.
This syllabus is not intended to be used as a teaching syllabus. Teachers are advised to use their own National teaching syllabuses or curricula for that purpose.
Examination Scheme
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2, both of which must be taken.
Paper 1
Will consist of fifty multiple-choice objective questions, drawn from the common areas of the syllabus, to be answered in 1½ hours for 50 marks.
Paper 2
Will consist of thirteen essay questions in two sections – Sections A and B, to be answered in 2½ hours for 100 marks.
Candidates will be required to answer ten questions in all.
Section A
Will consist of five compulsory questions, elementary in nature carrying a total of 40 marks.
The questions will be drawn from the common areas of the syllabus.
Section B
Will consist of eight questions of greater length and difficulty.
The questions shall include a maximum of two which shall be drawn from parts of the syllabuses which may not be peculiar to candidates’ home countries.
Candidates will be expected to answer five questions for 60marks.
WAEC Mathematics Syllabus for Maths and Other Important Topics
The topics, contents and notes are intended to indicate the scope of the questions which will be set.
The notes are not to be considered as an exhaustive list of illustrations/limitations.
Number and Numeration
- Number bases
- Modular Arithmetic Fractions, Decimals and Approximations
- Indices
- Logarithms
- Sequence and Series
- Sets
- Logical Reasoning
- Positive and negative integers, rational numbers
- Surds (Radicals)
- Matrices and Determinants
- Ratio, Proportions and Rates
- Percentages
- Financial Arithmetic
- Variation
Algebraic Processes
- Algebraic expressions
- Simple operations on algebraic expressions
- Solution of Linear Equations
- Change of Subject of a Formula/Relation
- Quadratic Equations
- Graphs of Linear and Quadratic functions.
- Linear Inequalities
- Algebraic Fractions
- Functions and Relations
Mensuration
- Lengths and
- Perimeters
- Areas
- Volumes
Plane Geometry
- Angles
- Angles and intercepts on parallel lines.
- Triangles and Polygons.
- Circles
- Construction
- Loci
Coordinate Geometry of Straight Line
- Concept of the x-y plane.
- Coordinates of points on the x-y plane
Trigonometry
- Sine, Cosine and Tangent of an angle.
- Angles of elevation and depression
- Bearings
Introductory Calculus
- Differentiation of algebraic functions.
- Integration of simple Algebraic functions
Statistics and Probability
- Statistics
- Probability
Vectors and Transformation
- Vectors in a Plane
- Transformation in the Cartesian Plane
WAEC Mathematics Units
Candidates should be familiar with the following units and their symbols.
Length
- 1000 millimetres (mm) = 100 centimetres (cm) = 1 metre(m).
- 1000 metres = 1 kilometre (km)
Area
- 10,000 square metres (m2) = 1 hectare (ha)
Capacity
- 1000 cubic centimeters (cm3) = 1 litre (l)
Mass
- 1000 milligrammes (mg) = 1 gramme (g)
- 1000 grammes (g) = 1 kilogramme( kg )
- 1000 ogrammes (kg) = 1 tonne.
Currencies
- The Gambia – 100 bututs (b) = 1 Dalasi (D)
- Ghana – 100 Ghana pesewas (Gp) = 1 Ghana Cedi ( GH¢)
- Liberia – 100 cents (c) = 1 Liberian Dollar (LD)
- Nigeria – 100 kobo (k) = 1 Naira (N)
- Sierra Leone – 100 cents (c) = 1 Leone (Le)
- UK – 100 pence (p) = 1 pound (£)
- USA – 100 cents (c) = 1 dollar ($)
- French Speaking territories: 100 centimes (c) = 1 Franc (fr)
- Any other units used will be defined.
WAEC Mathematics Exam Information
Use of Mathematical and Statistical Tables
Mathematics and Statistical tables, published or approved by WAEC may be used in the examination room.
Where the degree of accuracy is not specified in a question, the degree of accuracy expected will be that obtainable from the mathematical tables.
Use of Calculators
The use of non-programmable, silent and cordless calculators is allowed.
The calculators must, however not have the capability to print out nor to receive or send any information.
Phones with or without calculators are not allowed.
Other Information
Candidates should bring rulers, pairs of compasses, protractors, set squares etc required for papers on the subject.
They will not be allowed to borrow such instruments and any other material from other candidates in the examination hall.
Graph papers ruled in 2mm squares will be provided for any paper in which it is required.
Disclaimer
In spite of the provisions made in paragraphs 4 (1) and (2) above, it should be noted that some questions may prohibit the use of tables and/or calculators.
WAEC Recommended Mathematics Textbooks 2023
Here is the list of WAEC recommended textbooks for Mathematics
- Adelodun A. A (2000) Distinction in Mathematics: Comprehensive Revision Text, (3rd Edition) Ado –Ekiti: FNPL.
- Anyebe, J. A. B (1998) Basic Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools and Remedial Students in Higher/ institutions, Lagos: Kenny Moore.
- Channon, J. B. Smith, A. M (2001) New General Mathematics for West Africa SSS 1 to 3, Lagos: Longman.
- David –Osuagwu, M. et al (2000) New School Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publishers.
- Egbe. E et al (2000) Further Mathematics, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publishers.
- Ibude, S. O. et al (2003) Agebra and Calculus for Schools and Colleges: LINCEL Publishers.
- Tuttuh – Adegun M. R. et al (1997), Further Mathematics Project Books 1 to 3, Ibadan: NPS Educational.