Mathematics questions and answers

Mathematics Questions and Answers

How good are you with figures and formulas? Find out with these Mathematics past questions and answers. This Test is useful for both job aptitude test candidates and students preparing for JAMB, WAEC, NECO or Post UTME.

1,981.

If (x - 2) and (x + 1) are factors of the expression x3 + px2 + qx + 1, what is the sum of p and q

A.

9

B.

-3

C.

3

D.

\(\frac{17}{3}\)

E.

\(\frac{2}{3}\)

Correct answer is B

x3 + px2 + qx + 1 = (x - 1) Q(x) + R

x - 2 = 0, x = 2, R = 0,

4p + 2p = -9........(i)

x3 + px2 + qx + 1 = (x - 1)Q(x) + R

-1 + p - q + 1 = 0

p - q = 0.......(ii)

Solve the equation simultaneously

p = \(\frac{-3}{2}\)

q = \(\frac{-3}{2}\)

p + q = \(\frac{3}{2}\) - \(\frac{3}{2}\)

= \(\frac{-6}{2}\)

= -3

1,982.

Find a factor which is common to all three binomial expressions 4a2 - 9b2, 8a3 + 27b3, (4a + 6b)2

A.

4a + 6b

B.

4a - 6b

C.

2a + 3b

D.

2a - 3b

E.

none

Correct answer is C

4a2 - 9b2, 8a3 + 27b3, (4a + 6b)2 = (2a + 3b)(2a - 3b)

8a3 + 27b3 = (2a)3 + (3b)3

= (2a + 3b)(4a - 6ab = 9a2)

(4a + 6b)2 = 2(2a + 3b)2

1,983.

The quadratic equation whose roots are 1 - \(\sqrt{13}\) and 1 + \(\sqrt{13}\) is?

A.

x2 + (1 - \(\sqrt{13}\)x + 1 + \(\sqrt{13}\) = 0

B.

x2 - 2x - 12 = 0

C.

x2 - 2x + 12 = 0

D.

x2 + 12 + 2x2 = 0

Correct answer is B

1 - \(\sqrt{13}\) and 1 + \(\sqrt{13}\)

sum of roots - \(1 + \sqrt{13} + 1 - \sqrt{13} = 2\)

Product of roots = (1 - \(\sqrt{13}\)) (1 + \(\sqrt{13}\)) = -12

x2 - (sum of roots) x + (product of roots) = 0

x2 - 2x - 12 = 0

1,984.

If f(x) = 2(x - 3)\(^2\) + 3(x - 3) + 4 and g(y) = \(\sqrt{5 + y}\), find g [f(3)] and f[g(4)].

A.

3 and 4

B.

-3 and 4

C.

-3 and -4

D.

3 and -4

E.

0 and 5

Correct answer is A

f(x) = 2(x - 3)\(^2\) + 3(x - 3) + 4

= (2 + 3) (x - 3) + 4

= 5(x - 3) + 4

= 5x - 15 + 4

= 5x - 11

f(3) = 5 x 3 - 11

= 4

g(f(3)) = g(4)

= \(\sqrt{5 + 4}\)

= \(\sqrt{9}\)

= 3

g(4) = 3

f(g(4)) = f(3)

= 4

g[f(3)] and f[g(4)] = 3 and 4 respectively.

 

1,985.

Tunde and Shola can do a piece of work in 18 days. Tunde can do it alone in x days, whilst Shola takes 15 days longer to do it alone. Which of the following equations is satisfied by x?

A.

x2 - 5x - 10 = 0

B.

x2 - 20x + 360 = 0

C.

x2 - 21x - 270 = 0

D.

3x2 - 65x + 362 = 0

Correct answer is C

Tunde and Shola can do the work in 18 days.

Both will do the work in \(\frac{1}{18}\) days.

But Tunde can do the whole work in x days; Hence he does \(\frac{1}{x}\) of the work in 1 day.

Shola does the work in (x + 15) days; hence, he does \(\frac{1}{x + 15}\) of the work in 1 day.

\(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x + 15} = \frac{1}{18}\)

\(\frac{2x + 15}{x^{2} + 15x} = \frac{1}{18}\)

\(x^{2} + 15x = 36x + 270\)

\(x^{2} + 15x - 36x - 270 = 0\)

\(x^{2} - 21x - 270 = 0\)