Neco Mathematics Exam 2025/2026: Full List Of Highly Repeated Topics & Past Questions

The NECO Mathematics Exam is a critical part of the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate. It tests students' understanding of mathematical principles, problem-solving abilities, and analytical thinking. To perform well in the exam, you need to focus on the most commonly tested topics and practice past questions.

This guide provides you with the highly repeated topics and past questions for the NECO Mathematics Exam 2025/2026, ensuring that you are well-prepared and confident as you approach the exam.

Overview of the NECO Mathematics Exam

The NECO Mathematics Exam is generally divided into two sections:

Section A: Objective Questions (Multiple Choice)
Section B: Theory Questions (Short Answer and Long Answer)

The exam covers a wide range of mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. Both theoretical knowledge and practical application of mathematical concepts are tested.

Highly Repeated Topics in NECO Mathematics Exam 2025/2026

1. Algebra

Linear Equations and Inequalities: Expect questions on solving simple and simultaneous linear equations, as well as inequalities.
- Example: Solve the system of equations:
  $2 x + y = 10$
  $x - y = 3$
Quadratic Equations: Be prepared for questions requiring you to solve quadratic equations using factoring, the quadratic formula, or completing the square.
- Example: Solve the quadratic equation $x^{2} - 5 x + 6 = 0$ .
Exponents and Logarithms: Questions on the laws of exponents and solving logarithmic equations are often tested.
- Example: Solve $3^{x} = 81$ .
Polynomials: Expect questions involving the factorization and expansion of polynomials.
- Example: Factorize $x^{2} + 5 x + 6$ .

2. Arithmetic and Number Theory

Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: These are fundamental topics that are often tested in both the objective and theory sections.
- Example: Convert 25% into a fraction.
Ratios and Proportions: You may be asked to solve problems involving the comparison of quantities.
- Example: If 5 workers can complete a task in 12 days, how long will it take for 10 workers to complete the same task?
Number Bases: Be prepared for questions involving the conversion of numbers between different bases (binary, decimal, etc.).
- Example: Convert the binary number $101 1_{2}$ to its decimal equivalent.
Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) and Least Common Multiple (LCM): These topics often appear, especially in problems involving fractions or divisibility.
- Example: Find the GCD and LCM of 36 and 60.

3. Geometry

Mensuration: This is a key area, with questions on the perimeter, area, and volume of various geometric shapes.
- Example: Find the area of a circle with a radius of 7 cm.
Angles and Triangles: Expect questions on the properties of angles, including the sum of angles in triangles and theorems such as the Pythagorean theorem.
- Example: In a right-angled triangle, the lengths of the sides are 3 cm and 4 cm. Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Circles: Be familiar with the equations of circles, tangents, and the relationship between the radius, diameter, and circumference.
- Example: A circle has a radius of 5 cm. Calculate its circumference.
Coordinate Geometry: This involves the equation of a straight line, distance formula, midpoint formula, and finding the area of a triangle using coordinates.
- Example: Find the midpoint of the points $A (2, 3)$ and $B (4, 7)$ .

4. Trigonometry

Trigonometric Ratios: Know the basic ratios—sine, cosine, and tangent—along with their application in solving right-angled triangles.
- Example: Find the sine of an angle if the opposite side is 4 cm and the hypotenuse is 5 cm.
Trigonometric Identities: Be familiar with identities such as the Pythagorean identity, double angle formulas, and sum/difference formulas.
- Example: Prove the identity $sin^{2} x + cos^{2} x = 1$ .
Angles of Elevation and Depression: These are common in problems involving real-world applications of trigonometry.
- Example: Find the height of a building if the angle of elevation from a point 30 meters away is 45°.

5. Calculus

Limits and Continuity: Be prepared to solve problems on the limit of functions and the continuity of functions.
- Example: Find the limit of $f (x) = 2 x + 1$ as $x$ approaches 3.
Differentiation: This is often tested, especially in finding the derivative of simple functions and applying it to solve problems involving rates of change.
- Example: Differentiate $f (x) = 3 x^{2} + 5 x$ .
Integration: Expect questions that involve integrating simple functions, including the power rule and integration of trigonometric functions.
- Example: Integrate $\int (2 x + 3) d x$ .

6. Statistics and Probability

Measures of Central Tendency: Know how to calculate the mean, median, and mode from a given data set.
- Example: Find the mean of the data: $5, 10, 15, 20, 25$ .
Probability: Understand the basic rules of probability, including the addition and multiplication rules, and how to calculate the probability of events.
- Example: If a bag contains 3 red balls and 5 blue balls, what is the probability of picking a red ball?
Permutations and Combinations: Expect questions on the number of ways to arrange or select objects.
- Example: How many different ways can 5 students be arranged in a row?

Sample Past Questions for NECO Mathematics Exam 2025/2026

1. Algebra

Question: Solve for $x$ in the equation:
$3 x - 4 = 11$
Answer:
$3 x = 15$
$x = 5$

2. Arithmetic and Number Theory

Question: Convert the binary number $101 1_{2}$ to its decimal equivalent.
Answer:
$101 1_{2} = 1 \times 2^{3} + 0 \times 2^{2} + 1 \times 2^{1} + 1 \times 2^{0} = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 1 1_{10}$

3. Geometry

Question: Calculate the area of a circle with a radius of 7 cm.
Answer:
Area = $π r^{2} = π \times 7^{2} = 49 π \approx 153.94 cm^{2}$

4. Trigonometry

Question: Find the sine of an angle if the opposite side is 4 cm and the hypotenuse is 5 cm.
Answer:
$sin θ = hypotenuse opposite = 5 4 = 0.8$

5. Statistics and Probability

Question: Find the mean of the data: $5, 10, 15, 20, 25$ .
Answer:
Mean = $5 5 + 10 + 15 + 20 + 25 = 15$

FAQ Section

Q1: How many sections are there in the NECO Mathematics Exam?

The NECO Mathematics Exam consists of two sections:

Section A: Objective (Multiple Choice)
Section B: Theory (Short and Long Answer)

Q2: What topics are most frequently tested in the NECO Mathematics Exam?

The most frequently tested topics include Algebra, Arithmetic and Number Theory, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics and Probability.

Q3: How do I calculate the area of a circle?

The area of a circle is calculated using the formula:
$Area = π r^{2}$
Where $r$ is the radius of the circle.

Q4: What is the formula for the probability of an event?

The probability of an event $A$ is calculated as:
$P (A) = Total number of outcomes Number of favorable outcomes$

Q5: How can I prepare effectively for the NECO Mathematics Exam?

Focus on the highly repeated topics, practice past questions, and ensure you understand the formulas and concepts. Consistent practice and revision are key.

Conclusion

By focusing on these highly repeated topics and practicing past questions, you are sure to improve your performance in the NECO Mathematics Exam 2025/2026. Make a study plan, stay consistent, and approach your preparation with confidence. Best of luck!