WAEC Mathematics rewards candidates who are fast and accurate. Many students know the formulas but still lose marks to timing and avoidable errors. This blueprint shows you how to solve faster without sacrificing correctness.
Must-Know High-Yield Topics
Speed Techniques That Save Minutes
✅ Use Benchmarks
Memorize squares (1–30), cubes (1–10), common fractions-to-percent conversions (1/3 = 33.33%). This removes calculator pauses.
✅ Estimate First
For multiple choice, estimate to eliminate 2-3 options before calculating fully. This cuts time by ~30% on calculation-heavy items.
✅ Skip-Staple-Return
Circle hard questions, move on, then return. Never let one item eat 5+ minutes early in the paper.
Error-Proofing for Accuracy
- Always copy figures carefully—half of “maths mistakes†are transcription errors.
- Write units in every step for mensuration and trig (cm, cm², cm³).
- Box your final answer; re-check sign (+/−) and decimal placement.
- For geometry proofs, label diagrams clearly and state reasons (e.g., “Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementaryâ€).
Section-by-Section Strategy
Paper 1 (Objective)
- 50 questions, ~1 minute each. Do the fastest 30 first.
- Use plug-and-eliminate for algebra options.
- For graphs, sketch quick shapes (parabola up/down, straight line slope sign).
Paper 2 (Theory)
- Show all workings—method marks can save you.
- Allocate time by marks (1 mark ≈ 1 minute). A 10-mark question deserves ~10 minutes.
- Start with topics you’re strongest in (algebra/trig) to secure guaranteed marks.
Formulas and Shortcuts to Memorize
Algebra
Difference of squares: a²−b²=(a−b)(a+b). Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± √(b²−4ac)]/(2a).
Trigonometry
SOH-CAH-TOA; Area of triangle: ½ab sin C; Sine rule & cosine rule for non-right triangles.
Mensuration
Cylinder V = πr²h; Cone V = ⅓πr²h; Sphere V = 4/3 πr³; Lateral area of cylinder = 2πrh.
Statistics
Mean = Σfx/Σf; Median position = (n+1)/2 for ordered data; Mode from histogram = tallest bar.
4-Week Drill Plan (Power Boost)
Week 1: Accuracy First
- Daily: 20 objective questions untimed, check every error cause.
- Revise algebra and number bases.
Week 2: Speed Layer
- Daily: 30 objective questions timed (30 minutes).
- Start past questions 2018-2020 by topic.
Week 3: Mixed Practice
- Alternate days: Paper 1 (objective) and Paper 2 (theory) under time.
- Focus on geometry and trig diagrams.
Week 4: Mock & Review
- Two full mocks (Paper 1 + Paper 2) under exact timing.
- Log every mistake category: concept, careless, timing.
Common Traps to Avoid
Unit Mix-ups
Converting cm to m? Convert before calculating area/volume.
Angle Assumptions
Never assume right angles unless given. Label all angles from statements.
Rounding Too Early
Keep at least 4 s.f. in workings; round final answer to required s.f.
Your Math Score Can Jump Fast
Speed plus accuracy is the winning formula. Drill consistently, show your workings, and manage time ruthlessly. Each corrected mistake is free marks gained.
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