General Mathematics is one of the most compulsory and most feared subjects in the WAEC GCE examination. Every year, thousands of candidates register for WAEC GCE, yet a large percentage fail Mathematics, not because it is impossible, but because they prepare the wrong way.
If you are sitting for the first Series 2026 WAEC Jan/Feb GCE Mathematics (Obj/Essay) Questions and Answers, this detailed guide will show you:
How the exam is structured
What WAEC truly expects from candidates
Likely objective and essay questions
Practical strategies to score high
Whether Mathematics has always been your weakness or strength, this article will help you approach the exam with confidence.
Overview of 2026 WAEC Jan/Feb GCE Mathematics (Obj/Essay) Answers
The WAEC GCE General Mathematics examination is designed to test candidates’ numerical ability, logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and application of mathematical concepts to real-life situations.
Unlike school Mathematics tests, WAEC focuses heavily on:
Accuracy
Method
Clear presentation
What WAEC Tests in General Mathematics
The exam evaluates your ability to:
Perform basic and advanced calculations
Interpret graphs, charts, and data
Apply formulas correctly
Solve real-world mathematical problems
WAEC GCE Mathematics Exam Structure (2026)
The WAEC GCE Mathematics paper is divided into two major sections:
Paper 1 – Objective (Multiple Choice)
50 questions
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Covers the entire syllabus
Paper 2 – Essay (Theory)
10–15 structured questions
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Candidates answer a specific number of questions
Both papers are equally important. Scoring high requires balance, not focusing on only one.
See also: 2026 Jan/Feb WAEC GCE Financial Accounting: 1st Series
Key Topics in Jan/feb WAEC GCE Mathematics Answers
Based on WAEC trends, the following topics are frequently tested:
Number and Numeration
Algebraic Processes
Indices and Logarithms
Mensuration
Geometry
Trigonometry
Statistics and Probability
Variation
Sets
Graphs
Important: Statistics, algebra, and geometry alone can contribute over 50% of the total marks.
WAEC GCE 2026 General Mathematics Objective Questions & Answers
Objective questions test speed, accuracy, and understanding. Many candidates lose marks due to careless mistakes.
Below are WAEC-standard sample questions:
Sample Objective Questions
1. Simplify: 3² × 3⁴
A. 3⁶
B. 3⁸
C. 3⁵
D. 6⁶
✅ Correct Answer: A. 3⁶
2. If x = 2, find the value of 3x² − 4x + 1
A. 5
B. 7
C. 9
D. 11
✅ Correct Answer: B. 7
3. Find the mean of the following numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
✅ Correct Answer: B. 5
4. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower is 30°. Which ratio is applicable?
A. Cosine
B. Tangent
C. Sine
D. Secant
✅ Correct Answer: B. Tangent
5. If a bag contains 3 red balls and 2 blue balls, what is the probability of picking a red ball?
A. 2/5
B. 3/5
C. 1/2
D. 1/5
✅ Correct Answer: B. 3/5
💡 Tip: Always double-check calculations before selecting answers.
WAEC GCE 2026 Mathematics Essay Questions & Answers
Essay questions test method, reasoning, and presentation. WAEC awards marks for steps, not just final answers.
Question 1: Solve the equation
2x − 5 = 9
Solution:
2x = 14
x = 7
Question 2: Find the area of a circle with radius 7 cm.
(Take π = 22/7)
Solution:
Area = πr²
= (22/7) × 7 × 7
= 154 cm²
Question 3: The table below shows the marks obtained by students. Calculate the mean score.
| Marks | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 10 | 2 |
| 20 | 3 |
| 30 | 5 |
Solution:
Mean = Σfx / Σf
WAEC expects:
Proper table
Clear calculations
Final answer stated clearly
WAEC GCE Mathematics Practical Questions
WAEC increasingly sets questions based on real-life situations, such as:
Profit and loss
Simple and compound interest
Measurement and estimation
Statistical interpretation
These questions test understanding, not memorization.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make in WAEC GCE Mathematics
Avoid these mistakes to score higher:
Skipping steps
Forgetting units
Copying questions wrongly
Guessing without calculations
Poor time management
Smart Tips to Pass WAEC GCE General Mathematics 2026
1. Understand Before Memorizing
Mathematics rewards logic, not cramming.
2. Practice Past Questions
WAEC repeats question patterns, not exact questions.
3. Master Formula Usage
Know when and how to apply formulas.
4. Manage Your Time Wisely
Objective: 1–2 minutes per question
Essay: Attempt easier questions first
5. Show Clear Workings
Even if your final answer is wrong, workings can earn marks.
Recommended Textbooks for WAEC GCE General Mathematics 2026
New General Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools
Essential Mathematics for WAEC
WAEC GCE Mathematics Past Questions & Answers
Conclusion
General Mathematics is not a subject to fear. With consistent practice, understanding of concepts, and proper exam strategy, you can score very high in the WAEC GCE Jan/Feb 2026 examination.
Start early, practice daily, and always review your answers.R
