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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco Mathematics Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Mathematics is one of the most feared and yet most important subjects in NECO. Whether you're in Science, Art, or Commercial class, you must write Mathematics — and it's often the deciding factor in getting admission into your dream institution.
This blog reveals the most repeated topics in NECO Mathematics, gives you sample past questions, and shares smart exam tips to help you prepare effectively.
NECO Mathematics Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper II | Theory | 10 questions (answer 5) — covering all math topics |
Most Repeated NECO Mathematics Topics (2025/2026)
These are the topics NECO keeps repeating year after year. Focus on them during your revision:
| Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Number Bases | Base 2, base 8 conversions, addition & subtraction in different bases |
| BODMAS & Simplification | Order of operations, brackets, fractions, decimals, directed numbers |
| Algebra | Factorization, expansion, quadratic & linear equations, inequalities |
| Simultaneous Equations | Substitution and elimination methods |
| Indices and Logarithms | Laws of indices, solving log problems |
| Geometry | Angles in triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, constructions |
| Mensuration | Area, volume, perimeter of 2D & 3D shapes (cube, cone, cylinder, etc.) |
| Trigonometry | Sine, cosine, tangent, height & distance calculations |
| Sets | Union, intersection, complement, Venn diagrams |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, median, mode, bar charts, pie charts, probability of simple events |
| Variation | Direct, inverse, joint variation |
| Matrices | 2x2 matrix operations, determinants |
| Surds | Simplifying, rationalizing the denominator |
| Graphs | Drawing and interpreting linear, quadratic, and simultaneous graphs |
Sample NECO Mathematics Objective Questions
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Simplify: (3² × 2³) ÷ 3
A. 6
B. 8
C. 9
D. 12
✅ Answer: D -
Solve for x: 2x + 3 = 11
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
✅ Answer: C -
Find the mode of 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 6, 5
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
✅ Answer: C
Sample NECO Mathematics Theory Questions
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Factorize completely:
x² – 5x + 6 -
Solve the simultaneous equations:
3x + y = 10
x – y = 2 -
Find the volume of a cylinder with radius 7 cm and height 10 cm. (Take π = 22/7)
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The mean of five numbers is 6. Four of them are 5, 8, 6, and 4.
What is the fifth number? -
If a bag contains 3 red balls, 2 blue balls, and 5 green balls, what is the probability of picking a red ball?
Topic Frequency in Past NECO Maths Exams
| Year | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Algebra, Statistics, Mensuration, Trigonometry |
| 2023 | Indices, Sets, Surds, Word Problems |
| 2022 | Matrices, Geometry, Probability, Simultaneous Equations |
| 2021 | Variation, Graphs, Simplification, Area/Volume |
Must-Know Formulas for NECO Maths
| Topic | Formula |
|---|---|
| Area of a Circle | A = πr² |
| Volume of Cylinder | V = πr²h |
| Pythagoras Theorem | a² + b² = c² |
| Simple Interest | SI = (P × R × T) / 100 |
| Quadratic Formula | x = (–b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / 2a |
| Trigonometric Ratios | sinθ = opp/hyp, cosθ = adj/hyp, tanθ = opp/adj |
How to Score A1 in NECO Mathematics
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Start revision early — don’t wait until exam week.
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Practice past questions daily, especially theory problems.
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Focus on high-yield topics like algebra, graphs, mensuration, and trigonometry.
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Master all formulas and understand how to apply them.
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Use a calculator wisely — understand the process, not just the result.
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Time yourself while solving questions to build speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many papers are in NECO Mathematics?
Two papers: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Theory).
Q: Can I use a calculator in NECO Maths exam?
Yes, calculators are allowed. But know how to solve problems manually too.
Q: What topics should I focus on first?
Start with algebra, graphs, mensuration, and statistics — they appear every year.
Q: Is NECO Maths harder than WAEC?
Not really. They both test similar topics. NECO is often more straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Passing NECO Mathematics is easy when you study smart. Focus on the most repeated topics, practice daily, and master your formulas. Don’t skip any topic — even sets or surds could show up as bonus marks!
"Mathematics is not about numbers alone, it’s about solving real-life problems with logic."
