JAMB Mathematics Past Questions: Indices & Logarithms (With Explanations)

Indices and Logarithms show up in the JAMB Mathematics exam every single year—if you know the rules, these are guaranteed free marks.

About This Mathematics Topic

JAMB rarely tests complex calculus; instead, they test how well you remember the basic laws of indices (multiplication, division, zero power, and negative powers) and logarithms.

Real JAMB Questions and Answers

Question 1

Simplify: 27^(1/3) × 4^(1/2) A) 6 B) 5 C) 12 D) 8 Answer: A The SmartestNG Method:

1. Remember the fractional index law: x^(1/n) means the nth root of x.
2. 27^(1/3) means the cube root of 27. What number multiplies itself 3 times to give 27? The answer is 3 (since 3×3×3 = 27).
3. 4^(1/2) means the square root of 4. The answer is 2.
4. Now, multiply them together: 3 × 2 = 6.

Question 2

Evaluate: log₁₀100 + log₁₀10 A) 1000 B) 3 C) 2 D) 10 Answer: B The SmartestNG Method:

1. Remember the power law of logarithms: logₐa^x = x.
2. Convert 100 to a power of 10: 100 = 10². So, log₁₀100 = 2.
3. Convert 10 to a power of 10: 10 = 10¹. So, log₁₀10 = 1.
4. Add the results: 2 + 1 = 3.

Common Mistakes in This Set

The biggest mistake students make is multiplying bases when they should be adding powers. Remember: A^x × A^y = A^(x+y). You DO NOT multiply x and y!

Quick Q&A

Q: Are calculators allowed for logarithms in JAMB? A: The on-screen JAMB calculator is very basic and does not have a log button. You must solve log questions using the standard laws of logarithms. Q: Do I need log tables for JAMB? A: No. JAMB sets logarithm questions that can be solved entirely using standard rules, without needing four-figure tables.

Practice More Math Methods

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