Are you preparing for the 2027 WAEC Mathematics examination? The WAEC Mathematics Syllabus is one of the most important materials you need before you begin serious revision.
The syllabus shows the areas from which WAEC Mathematics questions are set and can help you avoid spending time studying topics outside the examination scope.
Below, we have highlighted the major areas covered by the Mathematics Syllabus for WAEC, how the examination is structured, and some important details students should not overlook.
WAEC Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The Latest WAEC Syllabus for General Mathematics/Mathematics (Core) covers the following major areas:
1. Number and Numeration
This section includes:
- Number bases
- Modular arithmetic
- Fractions, decimals and approximations
- Indices and standard form
- Logarithms
- Sequence and series
- Sets and Venn diagrams
- Logical reasoning
- Integers and rational numbers
- Surds
- Matrices and determinants
- Ratio, proportion and rates
- Percentages
- Financial arithmetic
- Variation
Some of these topics, such as percentages, ratios, rates and financial arithmetic, are particularly useful because the syllabus connects them with real-life situations such as taxes, profit and loss, foreign exchange, depreciation and interest.
2. Algebraic Processes
Students should prepare for:
- Algebraic expressions
- Expansion and factorisation
- Linear equations
- Simultaneous equations
- Change of subject of formula
- Quadratic equations
- Linear and quadratic graphs
- Linear inequalities
- Algebraic fractions
- Functions and relations
3. Mensuration and Geometry
The syllabus covers calculations involving:
- Lengths and perimeters
- Areas
- Surface areas
- Volumes
- Angles
- Triangles and polygons
- Circles
- Constructions
- Loci
- Coordinate geometry
4. Trigonometry
The WAEC Mathematics Syllabus includes:
- Sine, cosine and tangent
- Angles of elevation and depression
- Bearings
- Trigonometric graphs
- Heights and distances
Do not study trigonometry as formulas alone. The syllabus expects students to apply trigonometry to problems involving distances, heights and bearings.
5. Calculus
Introductory calculus is also included. Students should cover:
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Gradient of a curve
- Maximum and minimum values
- Rates of change
6. Statistics and Probability
This section includes:
- Frequency distributions
- Bar charts, pie charts and histograms
- Mean, median and mode
- Cumulative frequency curves
- Range and interquartile range
- Variance
- Standard deviation
- Experimental and theoretical probability
- Addition and multiplication of probabilities
7. Vectors and Transformation
Students should also study:
- Vectors in a plane
- Vector components
- Magnitude
- Addition and subtraction of vectors
- Reflection
- Rotation
- Translation
- Enlargement
The syllabus also contains a section on units, including length, area, capacity, mass and currency conversions.
Click the “DOWNLOAD” button below to download the full syllabus and exam format free PDF
WAEC Mathematics Exam Format
Paper 1:
50 multiple-choice questions, to be answered in 1½ hours, carrying 50 marks.
Paper 2:
13 essay questions divided into Sections A and B, to be answered in 2½ hours, carrying 100 marks.
Candidates must answer 10 questions in total. Section A contains five compulsory questions, while Section B contains eight longer and more difficult questions, from which candidates answer five.
Important Things Students Often Miss
Having the Mathematics Syllabus for WAEC is not just about ticking topics off a list.
Pay attention to the notes attached to each topic. WAEC sometimes places limits on what candidates are expected to study. For example, compound interest is limited to a maximum of three years, matrices are restricted to certain sizes, and some geometry and trigonometry questions are specified as simple problems.
Also, don’t ignore practical applications. The syllabus repeatedly connects Mathematics with everyday situations, including money, speed, distance, taxes, population, finance and measurements.
Can I Use a Calculator in WAEC Mathematics?
Yes. A non-programmable, silent and cordless calculator is allowed. However, phones are not allowed, whether or not they have calculator functions.
WAEC Mathematics Syllabus PDF Download
You can download the complete WAEC Mathematics Syllabus PDF below and keep it on your phone for offline revision.
Use the PDF as your checklist while preparing for the examination. After completing each topic, practise questions from that area before moving to the next one.
Pass WAEC Easily
Don’t try to memorise the entire WAEC syllabus for Mathematics at once. Break it into sections, study one topic at a time and practise questions immediately after each topic. The syllabus tells you what to study; consistent practice helps you learn how to answer the questions.
Past questions across previous years (2026 included) now available on the Exam Scholars App.
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