This syllabus is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques that are essential for success in higher education and various professions.
Mathematics is a fundamental subject that underpins many aspects of modern society, from finance to engineering, computer science to medicine. As such, it is crucial that students have a strong foundation in mathematics that will enable them to make informed decisions and solve problems in real-world situations.
This syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and probability. Students will also learn how to use mathematical tools such as graphs, tables, and formulas to analyze and interpret data.
Through this syllabus, students will develop problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond their academic careers. The syllabus is designed to cater to students with different learning styles and abilities, providing opportunities for independent learning, group work, and practical application.
In this post, we will explore the key features of the WAEC Mathematics Syllabus 2023/2024, provide tips for effective study, and answer any questions you may have about the syllabus. We also invite you to download the PDF version of the syllabus for further reference and study. Let’s dive in!
WAEC Mathematics Syllabus 2023/2024
It is essential to review the Mathematics syllabus in order to prepare for your exam, as it will provide you with a roadmap of the topics that you need to study. Additionally, the syllabus includes important notes on concepts that require your attention to ensure thorough understanding.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF The WAEC Mathematics Syllabus 2023
- The purpose of the syllabus is to assess the mathematical competency and computational skills of candidates,
- As well as their ability to understand mathematical concepts and their application in everyday entrepreneurial activities.
- The syllabus also evaluates candidates’ capacity to translate problems into mathematical language and solve them using appropriate methods, as well as their ability to think logically, abstractly, and precisely.
- However, it is not intended as a teaching syllabus, and teachers are advised to use their National teaching syllabuses or curricula.
Examination Scheme
The examination scheme comprises two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, which are mandatory. Paper 1 consists of 50 multiple-choice objective questions to be answered in 1½ hours for 50 marks, while Paper 2 comprises 13 essay questions in Sections A and B, to be answered in 2½ hours for 100 marks.
Candidates must answer ten questions in total, with Section A consisting of five compulsory elementary questions worth 40 marks, drawn from the common areas of the syllabus.
Section B comprises eight longer and more complex questions, including a maximum of two drawn from syllabus parts that may not be specific to candidates’ home countries. Candidates must answer five questions for 60 marks.
WAEC Mathematics Syllabus 2023
The WAEC Mathematics Syllabus covers various topics, including number and numeration, algebraic processes, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, vectors, and transformation, and more. The syllabus provides an indication of the scope of questions to be set, and the notes are not an exhaustive list of illustrations or limitations. Candidates should also be familiar with various units and their symbols, such as length, area, capacity, mass, and currencies used in different countries.
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 Syllabus DOWNLOAD PDF
WAEC Mathematics Recommended Textbooks 2023
| Textbook Title | Author(s) | Publisher | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinction in Mathematics: Comprehensive Revision Text | Adelodun A. A | FNPL, Ado –Ekiti | 2000 |
| Basic Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools | Anyebe, J. A. B | Kenny Moore, Lagos | 1998 |
| New General Mathematics for West Africa SSS 1 to 3 | Channon, J. B. Smith, A. M | Longman, Lagos | 2001 |
| New School Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools | David –Osuagwu, M. et al. | Africana – FIRST, Onitsha | 2000 |
| Further Mathematics | Egbe. E et al. | Africana – FIRST, Onitsha | 2000 |
| Algebra and Calculus for Schools and Colleges | Ibude, S. O. et al. | LINCEL Publishers | 2003 |
| Further Mathematics Project Books 1 to 3 | Tuttuh – Adegun M. R. et al. | NPS Educational, Ibadan | 1997 |