3 6 𝟏 𝟓 𝑥𝛼

𝑥 8 × 𝑦 −7 × 𝑥 𝟕 × 𝑦 𝟖 =
𝑦𝛽
SECTION 1 - TOPIC 3: 3 6 𝟏 𝟓
𝑥 8 × 𝑦 −7 × 𝑥 𝟕 × 𝑦 𝟖 = 𝑥 𝛼 𝑦 −𝛽
Indices, Logarithm and Surds: 3 𝟓 6 𝟏
= 𝑥 8+𝟖 × 𝑦 −7+𝟕 = 𝑥 𝛼 𝑦 −𝛽
𝟓
= 𝑥 𝟏 × 𝑦 𝟕 = 𝑥 𝛼 𝑦 −𝛽
RULES OF INDICES 𝟓
i. 𝑎𝑏 × 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏+𝑐 ∴ 𝜶 = 𝟏, 𝜷 =
𝟕
𝑜𝑟 5. [Jamb-Q41, 1982]: Simplify 𝑓 5/2 𝑔0 ℎ7/3 ÷
𝑎𝑏+𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏 × 𝑎𝑐 𝑔 2
ii. 𝑎𝑏 ÷ 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏−𝑐 (𝑓 1/2 𝑔2 ℎ1/3 ). A. ( ) B. 𝑓 5 𝑔2 ℎ7 C.
𝑓ℎ
𝑜𝑟 𝑔2
𝑓 5/4 𝑔0 ℎ2/7 D.
𝑎𝑏−𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏 ÷ 𝑎𝑐 𝑓 2 ℎ7

iii. (𝑎𝑏 )𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐 Correct Answer: Option C

1 𝑛 Explanation: 𝑓 5/2 𝑔0 ℎ7/3 ÷ (𝑓 1/2 𝑔2 ℎ1/3 ).
iv. 𝑎 ⁄𝑛 = √𝑎 1 5 1 7
v. 𝑎0 = 1 𝑓 2−2 𝑔2−0 ℎ3−3 [𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑎𝑤 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠]
vi. 𝑎−𝑛 = 𝑛
1 𝑔2 1
𝑎 𝑓 −2 𝑔2 ℎ−2 = 2 2 [𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝑎 −𝑛 = 𝑛 ]
vii. [𝑎𝑏]𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑏 𝑛 𝑓 ℎ 𝑎
𝑏
𝑛 𝑔2 𝑔 2
viii. 𝑎𝑛 = ( √𝑎 )𝑏 ∴ 2 2=( )
𝑓 ℎ 𝑓ℎ
ix. 𝑖𝑓 𝑎𝑏 = 𝑎𝑐 , then b = c ( equal bases) 3𝑛−3𝑛−1
6. [Jamb-Q14, 1984]: Simplify A. 1.
33 ×3𝑛−27×3𝑛−1
JAMB PREVIOUS QUESTIONS ON INDICES 1
5𝑥 ×25𝑥−1
B. 0. C. D. 3𝑛−1
27
1. [Jamb-Q19, 1979]: Simplify A. 52𝑥−1 . Correct Answer: Option C
125𝑥+1
B. 52𝑥+2 . C. 5−5 . D. 5𝑥+1 𝟑𝒏 −𝟑𝒏−𝟏 𝟑𝒏 −𝟑𝒏−𝟏
Explanation: =
Correct Answer: Option C 𝟑𝟑 ×𝟑𝒏−𝟐𝟕×𝟑𝒏−𝟏 𝟑𝟑 ×𝟑𝒏 −𝟑𝟑 ×𝟑𝒏−𝟏
𝒏 𝒏−𝟏
5𝑥 ×25𝑥−1 5𝑥 ×5𝟐𝑥−𝟐 5𝒙+𝟐𝑥−𝟐 𝟑 −𝟑 𝟏 𝟏
Explanation: = = = = 𝟑=
125𝑥+1 5𝟑𝑥+𝟑 5𝟑𝑥+𝟑 𝟑𝟑 (𝟑𝒏
𝒏−𝟏
−𝟑 ) 𝟑 𝟐𝟕
𝒙+𝟐𝑥−𝟐−𝟑𝒙−𝟐 𝒙+𝟐𝑥−𝟐−𝟑𝒙−𝟐 −5
5 =5 =5 7. [Jamb-Q7, 1986]: If 𝑃 = 18, 𝑄 = 21, 𝑅 =
2. [Jamb-Q32, 1979]: Find the value of (41/4 )6 A. (𝑃−𝑄)3 +𝑆 2 11
1. B. 2. C. 4. D. 6 E. 64 −6 and 𝑆 = 4. Calculate A. − B.
𝑅3 216
11 43 43
Correct Answer: Option E C. − D.
216 116 116
Explanation: The powers will multiply when the
bracket is expanded
1 Correct Answer: Option B
The multiplied powers: × 6 → 3 (𝑷−𝑸)𝟑 +𝑺𝟐 (𝟏𝟖−𝟐𝟏)𝟑 +𝟒𝟐
2 Explanation: =
: 43 = 4 × 4 × 4 → 64 𝑹𝟑 (−𝟔)𝟑
−𝟐𝟕 + 𝟏𝟔 −𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏
3. [Jamb-Q2, 1980]: Evaluate (20 + 4 − 1⁄2). = = =
−𝟐𝟏𝟔 −𝟐𝟏𝟔 𝟐𝟏𝟔
(A) 1⁄4 (B) 5⁄4 (C) 9⁄4 (D) 4 (E) 9
91/3 ×27−1/2 1
4. [Jamb-Q10, 1982]: Find α and β such that 𝑥 3/8 × 8. [Jamb-Q15, 1986]: Simplify −1/6 −2/3 A. B.
3 ×3 3
1/9 1 C. 3. D. 9.
𝑦 9/7 𝑥𝛼
𝑦 −6/7 × ( −45/8) = A. 𝛼 = 1, 𝛽 = 5/7 B. Correct Answer: Option A
𝑥 𝑦𝛽
5 1 1 1 1
− −
𝛼 = 1, 𝛽 = − 93 ×27 2 (32 )3 ×(33 ) 2
3
7
3
Explanation: 1 2 = 1 2
− − − −
C. 𝛼 = , 𝛽 = 6 D. 𝛼 = − , 𝛽 = 6 3 6 ×3 3 3 6 ×3 3
5 5
Correct Answer: Option A
1 32/3 ×3−3/2
9 = (as (𝑎𝑏 )𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐 )
3 6 𝑦7
9
𝑥𝛼 3−1/6×3−2/3
− 2 3
Explanation: 𝑥 × 𝑦 8 7 ×( 45 ) = −
33 2
𝑦𝛽
−
𝑥 8 = 1 2 (as 𝑎𝑏 × 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏+𝑐 )
9 1 − −
3 6 3
3 6 𝑦 7× 9 𝑥𝛼 5
𝑥 8 × 𝑦 −7 × 45 1 = =
−
3 6
(as 𝑎𝑏 ÷ 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏−𝑐 )
𝑦𝛽 1
𝑥 − 8 ×9 −
3 2
5 1 1
3−6+2 = 3−3
9. [Jamb-Q12, 1987]: Evaluate without using tables 27−3 24
= = =1
625 8 1 24 24
(0. 008)−1/3 × (0.16)−3/2 A. B. C. D. 8. 15. [Jamb-Q3, 1998]: If 𝑏 = 𝑎−2 and 𝑐1/3 = 𝑎1/2 𝑏,
8 625 8
Correct Answer: Option A express c in terms of a A. 𝑎 −1/2 B. 𝑎1/2 .C. 𝑎3/2 . D.
1 3
Explanation: (0. 008)−3 × (0.16)−2 𝑎−2/3
= (8 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 )−1/3 × (𝟏𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 )−3/2 Correct Answer: Option A
= 𝟖−𝟏/𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏 × 𝟏𝟔−𝟑/𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 Explanation: 𝑏 3 = 𝑎−2 and
𝟏 𝟏 𝟑 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝑐1/3 = 𝑎1/2 𝑏 = 𝑎1/2 × 𝑎 −2 = 𝑎−1/2
= 3 ×( ) × 𝟏𝟎𝟏+𝟑 = × × 𝟏𝟎𝟒 = × × 16. [Jamb-Q1, 2002]: Without using tables, evaluate
√𝟖 √𝟏𝟔 𝟐 𝟒𝟑 𝟐 𝟔𝟒
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 (343)1/3 × (0.14)−1 × (25)−1/2 . A. 7.B. 8. C. 10.
625 D. 12.
=
8 Correct Answer: Option C
1 1 −1
1 1
10. [Jamb-Q11, 1990]: Simplify ( ÷ ) A. Explanation: (343)3 × (0.14)−1 × (25)−2
𝑥 −1 𝑦 −1
𝑥 𝑦 𝟏𝟒 −1 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏
B. 𝑥𝑦 C. D. (𝑥𝑦)−1 𝟑
𝑦 𝑥 = √𝟑𝟒𝟑 × ( ) × (√25)−1 = 𝟕 × ×
Correct Answer: Option C 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟒 𝟓
−1 = 𝟏𝟎
1 1
Explanation: ( ÷ ) = (𝑥 ÷ 𝑦)−1 = 17. . [Jamb-Q6, 2013]: Simplify 1−𝑛 × 27𝑛+1 A. 3.
3−5𝑛
𝑥 −1 𝑦 −1
9
𝑥 −1 𝑦
( ) = B. 32. C. 33. D. 35
𝑦 𝑥
Correct Answer: Option D
11. [Jamb-Q12, 1990]: If 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = −2 and 𝑐 = 3−5𝑛 3 −5𝑛
1
− , evaluate (𝑎𝑏 2 − 𝑏𝑐 2 )(𝑎2 𝑐 − 𝑎𝑏𝑐) A. 0. B. Explanation: × 27𝑛+1 = × 𝟑𝟑(𝒏+𝟏)
91−𝑛 𝟑𝟐(𝟏−𝒏)
2
−28. C. −30. D. −34 𝟑−𝟓𝒏 ÷ 𝟑 𝟐(𝟏−𝒏)
× 𝟑𝟑(𝒏+𝟏) = 𝟑 −𝟓𝒏−𝟐(𝟏−𝒏)+𝟑(𝒏+𝟏)
−𝟓𝒏−𝟐+𝟐𝒏+𝟑𝒏+𝟑
Correct Answer: Option D 𝟑 = 𝟑−𝟓𝒏+𝟓𝒏+𝟑−𝟐 = 𝟑𝟏 = 𝟑
1 1
Explanation: (𝑎𝑏 2 − 𝑏𝑐 2 )(𝑎2 𝑐 – 𝑎𝑏𝑐) = 18. [Jamb-Q25, 2006]: Simplify (25)−2 × (27)3 +
1 2 1 1 1 14 9 34 3
[2 × (−2)2 − (−2) (− ) ][(2)2 × (− ) − (121)−2 × (625)−4 A. B. C. D.
2 2 5 11 55 275
1 Correct Answer: Option C
2(−2) (− )] 1 1 1
2
1
[8 + ] [−2 − 2] = × −4 = −34
17 Explanation: (25)−2 × (27)3 + (121)−2 ×
2 2 1

12. [Jamb-Q8, 1991 or Q7, 2005]: What is the (625)−4

1 1 1 1

product of
27
, (3) −3
𝑎𝑛𝑑 ( )
1 −1
A. 5. B. 3. C. 1. D. = (52 )−2 × (33 )3 + (112 )−2 × (54 )−4
5 5 1 3 1 1
1 = 5−1 × 31 × 11−1 × 5−1 = × + ×
25 5 1 11 5
Correct Answer: Option C 3 1
= +
27 1 −1 27 1 1 5 55
Explanation: × (3)−3 × ( ) = × × 1 3 + 1 34
5 5 5 33
5 = =
27 1 5 55 55 1
1 1
× × =1 =
5 27 1 19. [Jamb-Q7, 2008]: Simplify 16−2 × 4−2 × 273
13. [Jamb-Q25, 1991]: Evaluate 𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 − 1)−1/2 − A.
3 2 3
B. C. D.
3
8 3 4 2
(𝑥 2 − 1)−1/2 A. (𝑥 2 − 1)1/2 B. (𝑥 2 − 1) C.
Correct Answer: Option A
(𝑥 2 − 1)−1 D. (𝑥 2 − 1)−1/2 . 𝟏 𝟏
Correct Answer: Option D Explanation: 16−1/2 × 4−1/2 × 271/3 = 1 × 1 ×
1 1 162 42
1 1 1 1 3 3
Explanation: 𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 – 1)−2 – (𝑥 2 – 1)2
𝟑
271/3 = × × √𝟐𝟕 = × × =
√16 √𝟒 4 2 1 8
𝑥2 2
1 𝑥 2 − (𝑥 2 − 1) 81 −1/4 1
= 1 − (𝑥 − 1)2 =
1 20. [Jamb-Q7, 2010]: Evaluate ( ) × 2−1 A.
16 3
(𝑥 2 − 1)2 (𝑥 2 − 1)2 1
𝑥2 − 𝑥2 + 1 1 1 B. C. 3 D. 6
2 − 6
= 1 = 1 = (𝑥 – 1)
2
Correct Answer: Option A
2
(𝑥 − 1) 2 2
(𝑥 − 1) 2 1 1
81 −4 16 4 1
14. [Jamb-Q6, 1995 or Q7, 2005]: Evaluate Explanation: ( ) × 2−1 = ( ) × =
16 81 2
(81)3/4 −(27)1/3
A. 27. B. 1. C. 1⁄3 D. 1⁄8
4
√2×2×2×2 1
3×23 4 ×
√3×3×3×3 2
Correct Answer: Option B 2 1 1
3 1
3 1
(34 )4 −(33 )3 33 −3
= × =
Explanation:
(81)4 −(27)3
= = 3 2 3
3×23 3×23 3×8
 16 1/4 9 −1/2 2 𝑚 3 𝑛 256
21. [Jamb-Q6, 2011]: Simplify ( ) ÷( ) 5. [Jamb-Q32, 1983]: If ( ) ( ) = find t the
81 16 3 4 729
A. B.
1
C. D.
1 8 1 value of m and n A. 𝑚 = 4, 𝑛 = 2. B. 𝑚 =
3 2 9 3 −4, 𝑛 = −2. C. 𝑚 = −4, 𝑛 = 2. D. 𝑚 = 4, 𝑛 =
Correct Answer: Option B
−2
16 −1/4 9 −1/2 𝟏𝟔 1/4
Explanation: ( ) ÷( ) =( ) ÷ Correct Answer: Option D
81 16 𝟖𝟏
2 𝑚 3 𝑛 256
𝟏𝟔 1/2 Explanation: ( ) ( ) =
( ) 3 4 729
𝟗
1/4 1/2 2𝑚 3𝑛 28
𝟐𝟒 𝟒𝟐 24×1/4 𝟒𝟐×1/𝟐 2 4 × =
( ) ÷( ) = ÷ = ÷ 4𝑛 3𝑚 36
𝟑𝟒 𝟑𝟐 34×1/4 3𝟐×1/𝟐 3 3 2𝑚 ÷ 22𝑛 = 28 ; 3𝑛 ÷ 3𝑚 = 3−6
2 3 2 1
= × = =
3 4 4 2 𝑚 − 2𝑛 = 8. . . . . . . . (𝑖)
−𝑚 + 𝑛 = −6. . . . . . . . (𝑖𝑖)
JAMB PREVIOUS QUESTIONS ON Solving the equations simultaneously
INDICAL EQUATIONS 𝑚 = 4, 𝑛 = −2

1. [Jamb-Q17, 1989]: Solve for a positive number x

3 2 3 27𝑎−9 9𝑎 −3
such that 2(𝑥 −𝑥 −2𝑥) = 1 A. 4. B. 3. C. 2. D. 1. 6. [Jamb-Q42, 1983]: Simplify √ A.
8 2
Correct Answer: Option C 9𝑎 −2 3 3𝑎3
3 2 B. C. D.
Explanation: 2(𝑥 −𝑥 −2𝑥) = 1 2 2𝑎3 2
3 2
2(𝑥 −𝑥 −2𝑥) = 𝟐𝟎 Correct Answer: Option B
𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 = 𝟎 27𝑎 3 −9 𝟑𝑎−3 𝟑 𝟏 3
Explanation: √ 8 = = 𝟐 × 𝑎3 = 2𝑎3
𝑥(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2) = 0 𝟐
𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 2 = 0 7. [Jamb-Q18, 1985]: If 32𝑦 − 6(3𝑦 ) = 27, find y
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 A. 3. B. -1. C. 2. D. −3
𝑥 = 2 is the positive answer.
5 6 8. [Jamb-Q25, 1986]: If 5(𝑥+2𝑦) = 5 and 4(𝑥+3𝑦) =
2. [Jamb-Q38, 1978]: If (25) 𝑥−1 = 64 ( ) then 𝑥
2 16. find 3(𝑥+𝑦) . A. 0. B. 1. C. 3. D. 27.
has the value A. 7. B. 4. C. 32. D. 64.
Correct Answer: Option B 9. [Jamb-Q28, 1986]: Find the values of x which
5 6 satisfy the equation 16𝑥 × 5 × 4𝑥 + 4 = 0 A. 1
Explanation: (25)𝑥−1 = 64 ( )
2 and 4. B. -2 and 2. C. 0 and 1. D. -1 and 0.
𝑥−1
5𝟔
(25) = 𝟔𝟒 (
)
64 10. [Jamb-Q22, 1987]: Factorize 62𝑥+1 + 7(6𝑥 ) −
5𝟔 5 A. [3(6𝑥 ) − 5][2(6𝑥 ) + 1]. B. [2(6𝑥 ) −
(25)𝑥−1 = 64 × ( ) 1][3(6 ) + 5]. C. [2(6𝑥 ) + 5][3(6𝑥 ) − 1]. D.
𝑥
64
52𝑥 − 2 = 5𝟔 [3(6𝑥 ) − 5][2(6𝑥 ) − 1].
2𝑥 − 2 = 6 Correct Answer: Option D
8 Explanation: 62𝑥+1 + 7(6𝑥 ) − 5
𝑥= = 4
2 62𝑥 61 + 7(6𝑥 ) − 5
3. [Jamb-Q33, 1980]: If it is given that 5𝑥+1 + Let 6𝑥 = 𝑦. . . . (𝑖)
5𝑥 = 150 then the value of 𝑥 is, equal to A. 3 B. 6𝑦 2 + 7𝑦 − 5 = 0
4. C. 1. D. 2. (3𝑦 + 5)(2𝑦 − 1) = 0.....(i)
Correct Answer: Option D Subt. for y from eqn. (i) in eqn. (ii)
Explanation: 5𝑥+1 + 5𝑥 = 150 = [3(6x) + 5][2(6x) - 1]
𝟓(5𝑥 ) + 5𝑥 = 𝟏𝟓𝟎 1 2
83 −53 2 5 3
𝟔(5𝑥 ) = 𝟏𝟓𝟎 11. [Jamb-Q81, 1988]: 2 A. B. C. √5
5 3
𝟏𝟓𝟎 103
5𝑥 = D. √2
3
𝟔
5𝑥 = 𝟐𝟓 Correct Answer: Option D
1 2 1 2 2
5 𝑥 = 𝟓𝟐 83 −53 (𝟐𝟑 )3 −53 𝟐×53 𝟐

𝑥 = 𝟐 Explanation: = = 2 = 𝟐𝟏−𝟑 ×
102/3 (𝟐×𝟓)2/3
𝟐𝟐/𝟑 ×53
4. 𝟐 2
5𝟑−3
 𝟏 2
= 𝟐𝟑 × 5𝟎 = √𝟐
3 32(𝑥−1/2) = 3𝑥
2
1 ∴ 2(𝑥 − 1/2) = 3𝑥
𝑟
12. [Jamb-Q5, 1989]: Simplify √(64𝑟 6 )2 A. B. 2𝑥 − 1 = 𝑥 2
2 2
1 2 Hence, 𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 1 = 0
2𝑟 C. D.
2𝑟 𝑟 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
Correct Answer: Option B 𝑥 = 1
Explanation: √(64𝑟 6 )1/2 = √((𝟖𝑟 𝟑 )𝟐 )1/2 = 𝟐𝒓 17. [Jamb-Q4, 1993]: Solve for y in the equation
13. [Jamb-Q12, 1989]: What are the values of y 3 2
10𝑦 × 5(2𝑦− 2) × 4(𝑦−1) = 1 A. B. C. 1 D.
which satisfy the equation 9𝑦 − 4 (3𝑦 ) + 3 = 0 5
4 3

A. -1 and 0. B. -1 and 1. C. 1 and 3. D. 0 and 4

1. Correct answer is C.
Correct Answer: Option D Explanation: 10𝑦 × 5(2𝑦− 2) × 4(𝑦−1) = 1
Explanation: 9𝑦 − 4 (3𝑦 ) + 3 = 0 but 10y - (5 x 2)y = 5y x 2y
(32 ) 𝑦 − 4 (3𝑦 ) + 3 = 0 = (Law of indices)
5y x 2y x 5(2y - 2) x 4(y - 1) = 1
(3𝑦 )2 − 4 × 3𝑦 + 3 = 0 but 4(y - 1) = 22(y - 1)
𝑦 = 2y - 2 (Law of indices)
Let 3 be r. Then,
𝑟 2 − 4𝑟 + 3 = 0 5y x 5(2y -2) x 2(- 2) = 1
Solving the equation, 5(3y -2) x 2y x 2(2y -2) = 1
𝑟 2 − 3𝑟 − 𝑟 + 3 = 0 = 5(3y -2) x 2(3y -2) = 1
𝑟(𝑟 − 3) − 1(𝑟 − 3) = 0 But ao = 1
(𝑟 − 3)(𝑟 − 1) = 0 10(3𝑦 −2) = 10𝑜
∴ 𝑟 = 3 𝑜𝑟 1 3𝑦 − 2 = 0
Recall, 3𝑦 = 𝑟 ∴ 𝑦 = 2/3
3𝑦 = 3 = 31 𝑜𝑟 3𝑦 = 1 = 30 18. [Jamb-Q4, 1994]: Without using table, solve the
2
⟹ 𝑦 = 1 𝑜𝑟 0 equation 8𝑥 −2 = A. 4. B. 6. C. 8. D. 10.
25
Correct Answer: Option D
3 2
14. [Jamb-Q6, 2004]: Given that √42𝑥 = 16, find Explanation: 8𝑥 −2 =
25
the value of 𝑥 A. 2. B. 3. C. 4. D. 6. 200𝑥 −2 = 2
Correct Answer: Option C 100𝑥 −2 = 1
3
Explanation: √42𝑥 = 16 𝑥 −2 = 1100
3
3
this implies that ( √42𝑥 ) = (16)3 𝑥 −2 = 10−2
𝑥 = 10
42𝑥 = 42(3)
19. [Jamb-Q9, 1994]: Solve for x if 25𝑥 + 3(5𝑥 ) =
42𝑥 = 46
4 A. 1 𝑜𝑟 − 4. B. 0. C. 1. D. −4 𝑜𝑟 0.
∴ 2𝑥 = 6
𝑥 = 3 Correct Answer: Option B
15. [Jamb-Q4, 1992]: What is the value of x Explanation: 25𝑥 + 3(5𝑥 ) =
𝑥
42𝑥 1 1 4; 𝐿𝑒𝑡, 5 = 𝑦.
satisfying the equation 3𝑥 = 2? A.−2. B. − C.
4 2 2 (52 )𝑥 + 3(5𝑥 ) − 4 = 0 ⇒ 𝑦 2 + 3𝑦 − 4 = 0
D. 2
Correct Answer: Option B 𝑦 2 − 𝑦 + 4𝑦 − 4 = 0
42𝑥
Explanation: =2 𝑦(𝑦 − 1) + 4(𝑦 − 1) = 0
4 3𝑥 (𝑦 + 4)(𝑦 − 1) = 0
42𝑥 − 3𝑥 = 2 𝑦 = −4; 𝑦 = 1
4−𝑥 = 2 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦 = −4 𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒.
(22 )−𝑥 = 21
Equating coefficients: −2𝑥 = 1 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦 = 1 ⟹ 𝑥 = 0.
1 20. [Jamb-Q6, 1997]: 8𝑥/2 = (23/8 )(43/4 ) find 𝑥
𝑥 = − 3 3 5 4
2 2 A. B. C. D.
16. [Jamb-Q3, 1993]: If 9(𝑥−1/2) = 3𝑥 , find the 8 4 4 5
1 Correct Answer: Option C
value of 𝑥. A. B. 1 C. 2. D. 3 Explanation: 8𝑥/2 = (23/8 )(43/4 )
2
Correct Answer: Option B
2
8𝑥/2 = (23/8 )(23/2 )
Explanation: 9(𝑥−1/2) = 3𝑥 3 3
23𝑥/2 = 28+2
 3𝑥 15 25. [Jamb-Q7, 2009]: Solve 52(𝑥−1) × 5𝑥+1 = 0.04
= 1 1 1 1
2 8 A. B. C.− D. −
2 × 15 5 3 4 5 3
𝑥= = 26. [Jamb-Q6, 2012]: if 27𝑥+2 ÷ 9𝑥+1 = 32𝑥 , Find
3×8 4 𝑥 A. 3. B. 4. C. 5. D. 6.
21. [Jamb-Q7, 2001]: Simplify √(64𝑎3 )−1 A. 8𝑎.
1 1
B. 4a. C. D. . 2
4𝑎 8𝑎 27. [Jamb-Q7, 2014]: Solve for x in 8𝑥 −2 =
25
Correct Answer: Option C A. 8. B. 10. C. 4. D. 6.
3
Explanation: √(64𝑎3 )−1 = (64𝑎3 )−1/3 =
1 1 4𝑥+3
3 1/3 =
(64𝑎 ) 4𝑎 28. [Jamb-Q50, 2015]: If = 1, find x. A. 1.
162𝑥−3
92𝑥−1 B. -1. C. -3. D. 3
22. [Jamb-Q9, 2003]: If 𝑥+1 = 1, find the value of
27
𝑥 A. 2. B. 8. C. 5. D. 3.
Self-practice work solutions on indices
Correct Answer: Option B
92𝑥−1 2.10 C 2.50 C
Explanation: =1
27𝑥+1 2.20 B 2.60 D
⟹ 92𝑥−1 = 27𝑥+1 2.30 C
(32 )2𝑥−1 = (33 ) 𝑥+1
2.40 C
𝟐(𝟐𝑥 − 𝟏) = 𝟑(𝑥 + 𝟏) ⟹ 𝟒𝑥 − 𝟐 = 𝟑𝑥 + 𝟑
𝟒𝑥 − 𝟑𝑥 = 𝟑 + 𝟐 ⟹ 𝑥 = 𝟓
23.

LAWS OF LOGARITHM
1. log 𝑎 1 = 0
2. log 𝑎 𝑎 = 1
3. log 𝑎 (𝑏𝑐) = log 𝑎 𝑏 + log 𝑎 𝑐
Exception:
Self-practice log 𝑎 (𝑏𝑐) ≠ log 𝑎 𝑏 × log 𝑎 𝑐
1. [Jamb-Q2, 1979]: (1 28 × 104 ) (6.4 × 102 ) 4. log 𝑎 𝑏⁄𝑐 = log 𝑎 𝑏 − log 𝑎 𝑐
Exception:
equals A. 2 × 105 B. 2 × 101 C. 2 × 100 log 𝑏
log 𝑎 𝑏⁄𝑐 ≠ 𝑎
D. 2 × 101 log𝑎 𝑐
log𝑐 𝑎
2. [Jamb-Q4, 1979]: (3.2)2 − (1.8)2 equals. A. 5. log 𝑎 𝑏 =
log𝑎 𝑐
7.0. B. 2.56. C. 13.48. D. 20. 6. log 𝑎 𝑏 = log 𝑐 𝑎 × log 𝑏 𝑐
𝑏 𝑏
𝟔𝟐𝒏+𝟏 ×𝟗𝒏 ×𝟒𝟐𝒏 7. log 𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 =
3. [Jamb-Q26, 1981]: Simplify 𝟏𝟖𝒏×𝟐𝒏×𝟏𝟐𝟐𝒏
A. 𝑎
𝑐
2𝑛 −2𝑛+1 𝑛 8. log 𝑐 𝑎𝑏 = log 𝑏 𝑐
3 B. 3 × 2 C. 2 D. 6. 9. log 𝑐 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑎 log 𝑐 𝑏
(1.25×𝟏𝟎𝟒 )×(2×𝟏𝟎𝟓 )
4. [Jamb-Q5, 1992]: Simplify 10. log 𝑎 𝑏 = 𝑐, 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑐
6.25×𝟏𝟎𝟓 1
3 −2 11. log 𝑏 𝑎 =
A. 4.0 × 10 B. 5.0 × 10 C. 2.0 × 10−1 log𝑎 𝑏

D. 5.0 × 10−3
3 Types of logarithm
(𝑎 2 𝑏−3 𝑐)4 i. Ordinary/ common logarithm: this is the
5. [Jamb-Q5, 1999]: 𝑎 −1 𝑏4 𝑐 5
What is the value
logarithm to base 10 of a number e.g log10 2 , log10 7.
5 5 15 Or rather these examples can be written in another
of 𝑃 + 2𝑞? A. 2
B. − 4 C. − 4
D. −10
form log 2 , log 7
3(𝟐𝟐𝒏+𝟏 )−4(𝟐𝟐𝒏−𝟏 )
6. [Jamb-Q9, 2000]: Simplify ii. Natural/ napierian logarithm: this is the
𝟐𝟐𝒏+𝟏 −𝟐𝒏
1 logarithm to base ‘e’ (euler constant) of a number e.g
𝑛+1 𝑛−1
A. 2 B. 2 C. 4. D. 4 log 𝑒 2 , log 𝑒 7. Or rather these examples can be
written in another form ln 2 , ln 7. Pronounced as lin
24. [Jamb-Q31, 2007]: Find the value of x for which 2, lin 7 respectively.
5 3 2 1 Hence, log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥
2(32𝑥−1 ) = 162 A. B. C. D.
2 2 5 2
 1 1 7
JAMB PREVIOUS QUESTIONS ON 𝑎 3 × 𝑎4 𝑎12
LOGARITHM WITHOUT USING TABLES = log10 7 = log10 7 = log10 1 = 0
𝑎12 𝑎12
1. [Jamb-Q12, 1978]: What is the number whose 7. [Jamb-Q33, 1983]: Without using tables find the
logarithm to base 10 is 2.3482 A. 223.6 B. 0.2228 1
numerical value of log 7 49 + log 7 ( ) A. 1. B. 2. C.
7
C. 2.235 D. 0.02229
3. D. 7.
Correct Answer: Option A
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation: let the number x i.e 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝒙 = 1
𝟐. 𝟑𝟒𝟖𝟐 Explanation: log 7 49 + log 7 ( )
7
𝑥 = 𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑔(2.3482 ) = 102.3482 = 223.6 = log 7 72 + log 7 7−1 = 2 log 7 7 − log 7 7 = log 7 7
2. [Jamb-Q41, 1978]: Without using tables simplify =1
ln √216 −ln √125 −ln √8 3 1 8. [Jamb-Q10, 1984]: Find without using logarithm
in A. -3 B. 3 C. D. log3 27−log1/4 64 7 7 3
2(𝐼𝑛 5−𝐼𝑛 3) 4 3
tables, the value 1 A. B. − C. −
Correct Answer: Option C log3 4 4 2
81
216 7
ln √216 –ln √125 –ln √8 𝑙𝑛√(
125×8
) D.
3
Explanation: = 5 =
2(𝐼𝑛 5−𝐼𝑛 3) 2𝑙𝑛( )
3
Correct Answer: Option
log3 27−log1 64
216 log3 33 −log4−1 43
𝑙𝑛√( ) Explanation: 4
=
1000 1
5 log3 log3 3−4
2𝑙𝑛( ) 81
3
3
3 log 3 3 − (−3) log 4 4 3 − (−3) 6 3
3 2 3 = = = =−
6 3
3 3
5 −(2)
𝑙𝑛 (( ) ) −4 log 3 3 −4 −4 2
𝑙𝑛√( ) 𝑙𝑛√( ) 𝑙𝑛 ( ) 5 9.
10 5 3
= = = = 10. [Jamb-Q14, 1987]: Simplify without using tables
5 5 5 5
2𝑙𝑛 ( ) 2𝑙𝑛 ( ) 2𝑙𝑛 ( ) 2𝑙𝑛 ( ) log2 6−log2 3 1 1 log 3
3 3 3 3 A. B. C. −2 D. 2
3 5 3 log3 18−2 log2 1/2 5 2 log2 7
( ) 𝑙𝑛 ( ) ( ) 11. [Jamb-Q10, 1990]: Simplify 3 log 6 9 +
=− 2 3 = − 2 = − (3) (1) = − 3
5 2 2 2 4 log 6 12 + log 6 64 − log 6 72 A. 5. B. 7776.
2𝑙𝑛 ( ) C. log 6 31. D. log 6 77776.
3
3. [Jamb-Q42, 1979]: What is log 7 49𝑎 − Correct Answer: Option A
49𝑎 𝑎 Explanation
log10 0.01 ? A. B. + 2 C. 72𝑎 + 2. D.
100 2 3log69 + log612 + log664 - log672
2𝑎
2𝑎 + 2. E. = log693 + log612 + log664 - log672
2
c log 7 49𝑎 − log10 0.01) log6729 + log612 + log664 - log672
= log 7 72𝑎 − log10 10−2 log6(729 x 12 x 64) = log6776
= 2𝑎 log 7 7 − (−2) log10 10 = log665 = 5 log66 = 5
= 2𝑎 (1) + 2(1) = 2𝑎 + 2 N.B: log66 = 1
log 8 2 72
4. [Jamb-Q18, 1980]: Simplify 10 A. log10 2 B. 12. [Jamb-Q9, 1991]: Simplify 2 log − log
5 125
+
log10 4
log10 4 C.
3
D. 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 A. 1 − 4𝑙𝑜𝑔3 B. −1 − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔3 C. −1 +
2 5𝑙𝑜𝑔2 D. 1 − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔2
Correct Answer: Option C Correct Answer: Option D
𝟑
log10 8 log10 𝟐 𝟑 log10 𝟐 𝟐 𝟕𝟐
Explanation:
log10 4
= 𝟐 = 𝟐 log10 𝟐
= 𝟑𝟐 Explanation: 𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 − 𝐥𝐨𝐠
𝟓
+ 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟗
𝟏𝟐𝟓
log10 𝟐
log10 8−log10 4 2 𝟐
5. [Jamb-Q16, 1982]: Simplify A. [( ) × 9] 4 9 125
log10 4−log10 2 5 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( × × )
log10 2 B. log10 8 C. 0 D. 1 𝟕𝟐 2𝟓 1 7𝟐
Correct Answer: Option D 𝟏𝟐𝟓
log10 (4)
8 𝟓 10
Explanation:
log10 8−log10 4
= =
log10 2
=1 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 10 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 4
log10 4−log10 2 log10 ( )
4
log10 2 𝟐 4
𝟐
2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 1 − 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔2
6. [Jamb-Q22, 1983]: Simplify log10 𝑎1/3 + 13. [Jamb-Q7, 1993]: Solve without using tables
1 7
log10 𝑎 − log10 𝑎7 A. 1 B. log10 𝑎 C. 0. D. log 5 (62. 5) − log 5 1/2 A. 3. B. 4. C. 5. D. 8.
12 6
10. Correct Answer: Option A
Correct Answer: Option C 1 62.5
1 1 Explanation: log 5 (62. 5) – log 5 = log 5 ( 𝟏 )=
Explanation: log10 𝑎1/3 + log10 𝑎 − log10 𝑎7 2
𝟐
4 12
1 7 log 5 (𝟐 × 62. 5) = log 5 (𝟏𝟐5) = log 5 (𝟓𝟑 ) =
= log10 𝑎1/3 + log10 𝑎4 − log10 𝑎12
𝟑 log 5 𝟓 = 𝟑
14. [Jamb-Q3, 1994]: Evaluate
log5 (0.04) 5. [Jamb-Q24, 1981]: Given that 10𝑥 = 0.2 and
log3 18−log3 2
log10 2 = 0.3010, find 𝑥. A. −1.3010 B.
A. 1. B. −1. C. −2 D. 2 −0.6990. C. 0.6990. D. 1.3010.
Correct Answer: Option B Correct Answer: Option B
log5 (0.04) log (0.04)
Explanation: log 18−log 2
= 5 18 Explanation: Given that log10 2 =
3 3 log3 ( )
2 0.3010, 𝐼𝑓 10𝑥 = 0.2
log5 (0.04) −𝟐 log10 10𝑥 = log10 0.2
= = = −1
log3 9 𝟐
𝐿𝑒𝑡, log5 (0.04) = 𝑥 2
log10 10𝑥 = log10 ( )
5𝑥 = 0.04 10
𝟒 𝑥 log10 10 = log10 2 − log10 10
𝑥 = = 5−𝟐 Since, log10 10 = 1
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝑥 = 0.3010 − 1 = −0.6990
𝐿𝑒𝑡, log3 9 = 𝑧
3𝟐 = 3𝒛 6. [Jamb-Q48, 1981]: Solve the given equation
𝑧 = 3 (log 3 𝑥)2 − 6 log 3 𝑥 + 9 = 0 A. 27. B. 9. C.
1
27
D. 18.
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation: (log 3 𝑥)2 − 6 log 3 𝑥 + 9 = 0
Let, log 3 𝑥 = 𝒂.
𝒂𝟐 − 6𝒂 + 9 = 0
𝟐
JAMB PREVIOUS QUESTIONS ON 𝒂 − 3𝒂 − 3𝒂 + 9 = 0
LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS 𝒂(𝒂 − 3) − 3(𝒂 − 3) = 0
(𝒂 − 3)(𝒂 − 3) = 0
1. [Jamb-Q39, 1978]: Assuming log 𝑒 4.4 = 1.4816 ⟹ 𝒂 = 3(𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒆)
and log 𝑒 7.7 = 2.0142, then the value of log 𝑒 7/4 is. log 3 𝑥 = 3 ⟹ 𝒙 = 33 = 27
A. 5.5326. B. 3.4958. C. 0.4616. D. 0.0142. 7. [Jamb-Q9, 1982]: Write the equation 2 log 2 𝑥 −
Correct Answer: Option A 𝑥 log 2 (1 + 𝑦) = 3 in a form not involving
Explanation logarithms. A. 2𝑥 − 𝑥(1 + 𝑦) = 3. B. 2𝑥 −
2 𝑥
Assuming log 𝑒 4.4 = 1.4816 and log 𝑒 7.7 = 𝑥(1 + 𝑦) = 3. C. 𝑥 = 8(1 + 𝑦) D.
2.0142 𝑥 2 − 𝑥(1 + 𝑦) = 8.
7 7.7 Correct Answer: Option C
then value of log 𝑒 = log 𝑒
4 4.4 Explanation: 2 log 2 𝑥 − 𝑥 log 2 (1 + 𝑦) = 3
7 2.0142 𝑥2
∴ log 𝑒 ( ) = = 0.5326 log 2 = 3
4 1.4816 (1 + 𝒚)𝑥
2. [Jamb-Q33, 1979]: Find the value of log10 1/40, 2
𝑥
given that log10 4 = 0.6021 A. 1.3979 B. 2.3979 = 23
C. −1.6021. D. 2.6021. (1 + 𝒚)𝑥
Correct Answer: Option C 𝑥2
= 8
Explanation: log10 1/40 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝟏 − (𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝟒 + (1 + 𝒚) 𝑥
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎) 𝑥 = 8(1 + 𝒚) 𝑥
2

= 𝟎 − 𝟏. 𝟔𝟎𝟐𝟏 = −𝟏. 𝟔𝟎𝟐𝟏 8. [Jamb-Q10, 1985]: Find 𝑥 if log 9 𝑥 = 1.5

3. [Jamb-Q38, 1980]: Given 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 0.69, 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3 = A. 72.0. B. 27.0 C. 36.0. D. 3.5.
1.10 and 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 = 1.90, all to a fixed base, find log Correct Answer: Option B
10.5 to the same base, without using tables. A. 1.03. Explanation: By Defn., log 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑚 ⇔ 𝑎 = 𝑏 𝑚 .
B. 2.31. C. 3.69. D. 10.5. ∴ log 9 𝑥 = 1.5 ⇒ 91.5 = 𝑥
Correct Answer: Option B ∴ 𝑥 = (32 )1.5
21
Explanation: 𝑙𝑜𝑔10.5 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 21 − ∴ 𝑥 = 32×1.5
2
𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 ; . 𝑥 = 33
= 𝑙𝑜𝑔(3 × 7) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔 7 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 ∴ 𝑥 = 27.
= 1.10 + 1.90 − 0.69 = 3 − 0.69 = 2.31
9. [Jamb-Q14, 1986]: Find n if log 2 4 + log 2 7 −
4. [Jamb-Q22, 1981]: If log 2 𝑦 = 3 − log 2 𝑥 3/2 ,
log 2 𝑛 = 1 A. 10. B. 14. C. 27. D. 28.
find y when 𝑥 = 4. A. 8. B. √65. C. 4√2. D. 1. Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation: log 2 4 + log 2 7 − log 2 𝑛 = 1 14. [Jamb-Q20, 1994]: Find the value of r if
log 2 (4 × 𝟐) + − log 2 𝑛 = 1 log10 𝑟 + log10 𝑟 2 + log10 𝑟 4 + log10 𝑟 8 +
∴log 2 𝟐𝟖 + − log 2 𝑛 = 1 log10 𝑟16 + log10 𝑟 32 = 62
A. 10−1 B. 100 C. 10 D. 102
𝟐𝟖 Correct Answer: Option C
= 𝟐𝟏 Explanation: log10 𝑟 + log10 𝑟 2 + log10 𝑟 4 +
𝑛
𝟐𝟖 log10 𝑟 8 + log10 𝑟16 + log10 𝑟 32 = 6𝟑
= 2 log10 (𝑟 × 𝑟 2 × 𝑟 4 × 𝑟 8 × 𝑟16 × 𝑟 𝟑𝟐 ) = 63
𝑛
2𝑛 = 28 log10 𝑟 𝟔𝟑 = 63
∴ 𝑛 = 14 𝑟 𝟔𝟑 = 10𝟔𝟑
∴ 𝑟 = 10
10. [Jamb-Q9, 1988]: If log10 2 = 0. 3010 and 15. [Jamb-Q4, 1997]: Given that log 𝑎 2 = 0.693
log10 3 = 0.4771, evaluate, without using logarithm and log 𝑎 3 = 1.097, Find log 𝑎 13.5. A. 1.404.
tables log10 4.5 B. 1.790. C. 2.598. D. 2.790.
A. 0.3010. B.0.4771. C. 0.6532. D. 0.9542. Correct Answer: Option C
27 33
Explanation: log 𝑎 13.5 = log 𝑎 = log 𝑎
2 2
11. [Jamb-Q11, 1988]: Find p in terms of q if
1
3 3 𝑞 3
log 3 𝑃 = + 3 log 3 𝑞 = 3 A. ( ) B. ( ) C. = 3 log 𝑎 3 − log 𝑎 2 = 3 × 1.097 − 0.693
𝑞 3
1 = 2.598
𝑞 3 3 3
( ) D. ( )
3 𝑞
Correct Answer: Option A 16. [Jamb-Q4, 1998]: Given that log 4 (𝑦 − 1) +
1
Explanation: log 3 𝑃 + 3 log 3 𝑞 = 𝟑 log 4 ( 𝑥) = 1 and log 2 (𝑦 + 1) + log 2 𝑥 = 2, solve
2
log 3 𝑃 + log 3 𝑞 3 = 𝟑 for 𝑥 and y respectively A. 2, 3. B. 3, 2. C. -2,-3.
⟹ log 3 (𝑝𝑞 3 ) = 3 D. -3,-2.
𝑝𝑞 3 = 33 = 27 Correct Answer: Option C
27 3 3 1
∴𝑝= 3= ( ) Explanation: log 4 (𝑦 – 1) + log 4 (2 𝑥) = 1
𝑞 𝑞 1 1
12. [Jamb-Q3, 1992]: Evaluate log 𝑏 𝑎𝑛 if 𝑏 = log 4 (𝑦 − 1) ( 𝑥) = 𝟏 → (𝑦 − 1) ( 𝑥)
1 1 2 2
𝑎1/𝑛 A. 𝑛2 B. 𝑛 C. D. 2 = 𝟒 … … . . (𝟏)
𝑛 𝑛
Correct Answer: Option A log 2 (𝑦 + 1) + log 2 𝑥 = 2
Explanation: Let, log 𝑏 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑥 log 2 (𝑦 + 1)𝒙 = 2 → (𝒚 + 𝟏)𝒙 = 𝟐
𝟐
∴ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑏 𝑥
1 𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = (𝑎𝑛 ) (𝒚 + 𝟏)𝒙 = 𝟒.....(ii)
𝟒
𝑥 𝑥 From equation (ii) 𝒙 = ........(iii)
𝑎𝑛 = ⟹𝑛= 𝑎𝑛 𝒚+𝟏
𝑛 𝟏 𝟒
𝑥 = 𝑛2 put equation (iii) in (i) (𝒚 − 𝟏)[ ( )] = 𝟒
𝟐 𝒚+𝟏
13. [Jamb-Q6, 1993]: If 2 log 3 𝑦 + log 3 𝑥 2 = 4, 𝟐𝒚 − 𝟐 = 𝟒𝒚 + 𝟒
4−log3 𝑥 2 4 4 9 𝟐𝒚 = −𝟔
then y is A. B. C. D. ±
2 log3 𝑥 2 𝑥 𝑥 𝒚 = −𝟑
Correct Answer: Option D 𝟒 𝟒
Explanation: 2 log 3 𝑦 + log 3 𝑥 2 = 4 ∴𝒙 = =
−𝟑 + 𝟏 −𝟐
log 3 𝑦 2 + log 3 𝑥 2 = 4 log 3 3 𝒙 = −𝟐
log 3 𝑦 2 + log 3 𝑥 2 = log 3 34 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒙 = −𝟐, 𝒚 = −𝟑
2 2
∴ log 3 (𝑥 𝑦 ) = log 3 81 (correct all to base 4)
𝑥 2 𝑦 2 = 81
17. [Jamb-Q3, 1999]: if log 8 10 = 𝑥, evaluate
(𝑥𝑦) 2 = 81 1 𝑥−1 1
log 8 5 in terms of 𝑥. A. B. C. 𝑥 − D.
𝑥𝑦 = √81 2𝑥 4 3
𝑥−1
∴ 𝑥𝑦 = ±9 2
9 Correct Answer: Option C
∴ 𝑦 = ±
𝒙 Explanation: log 8 10 = 𝑥
log 8 𝟐 × 𝟓 = 𝑥
log 8 𝟐 + log 8 𝟓 = 𝒙
Base 8 can be written as 𝟐𝟑 20. [Jamb-Q33, 2007]: If log10 2 = 𝑥 express
log 8 𝟐 = 𝒚 log10 12.5 in terms of 𝑥 A. 2(1 + 𝑥). B. 2 +
therefore, 𝟐 = 𝟖𝒚 3𝑥. C. 2(1 − 𝑥). D. 2 − 3𝑥.
𝟏 Correct Answer: Option D
𝒚= 25 100
𝟑 Explanation: log10 12.5 = log10 ( ) = log10 ( )
𝟏 2 8
= log 8 𝟐 = log10 100 − log10 8
𝟑
taking 13 to the other side of the original equation = log10 102 - log102 = 2log10 10 - 3log102 = 2 −
𝟏 3𝑥
log 8 𝟓 = 𝒙 − 21. [Jamb-Q8, 2008]: If log 𝑥 1/2 64 = 3, find the
𝟑
18. [Jamb-Q8, 2004]: if 6 log 𝑥 2 − 3 log 3 𝑥 = value of 𝑥 A. 4. B. 16. C. 32. D. 64.
3 3 4 8
3 log 5 0.2, find 𝑥. A. B. C. D. Correct Answer: Option B
8 4 3 3
Explanation: If log 𝑥 1/2 64 = 3,
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation: 6 log 𝑥 2 − 3 log 𝒙 𝟑 = 3 log 5 0.2 (𝑥 1/2 )3 = 64
𝟏 (𝑥 1/2 )3 = 43
log 𝑥 2𝟔 − log 𝒙 𝟑𝟑 = 3 log 5 ( )
𝟓 𝑥 1/2 = 4
𝟏 𝟑 𝑥 = 42 = 16
log 𝑥 𝟔𝟒 − log 𝒙 𝟐𝟕 = log 5 ( )
𝟓 22. [Jamb-Q8, 2009]: If log10 2 = 0. 3010 and
log10 7 = 0.8451, evaluate log10 280 A. 3.4471.
𝟔𝟒 𝟏 𝟑 B. 2.4471. C. 1.4471. D. 1.4071.
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 ( ) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟓 ( ) Correct Answer: Option B
𝟐𝟕 𝟓
𝟔𝟒 𝟏 Explanation: log10 2 = 0. 3010 and log10 7 =
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 ( ) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟓 ( ) 0.8451,
𝟐𝟕 𝟏𝟐𝟓
𝟔𝟒 ∴ log10 280 = log10 28 × 𝟏𝟎 = log10 𝟕 × 𝟒 × 𝟏𝟎
let, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 ( ) = 𝒚
𝟐𝟕 = 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟕 + 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟒 + 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟏𝟎
𝟔𝟒 𝟏 = 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟕 + 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟐𝟐 + 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟏𝟎
∴ 𝒙𝒚 = 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟓 ( )= 𝒚
𝟐𝟕 𝟏𝟐𝟓 = 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟕 + 𝟐𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟐 + 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝟏𝟎
𝒚
∴ 𝟓 = 𝟏/𝟏𝟐𝟓 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟒𝟓𝟏 + 𝟐(𝟎. 𝟑𝟎𝟏𝟎) + 𝟏
𝟓𝒚 = 𝟏𝟐𝟓−𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟒𝟓𝟏 + 𝟎. 𝟔𝟎𝟐𝟎 + 𝟏
𝟓𝒚 = 𝟓−𝟑 = 𝟐. 𝟒𝟒𝟕𝟏
∴ 𝒚 = −𝟑
𝟔𝟒
substitute, 𝒚 = −𝟑 in 𝒙𝒚 =
𝟐𝟕
implies, 𝒙−𝟑 =
𝟔𝟒 JAMB PREVIOUS QUESTIONS ON
𝟐𝟕 STANDARD FORMS
𝟏 𝟔𝟒
= 6.3×105
𝒙 𝟑 𝟐𝟕 1. [Jamb-Q29, 1981]: Evaluate to 3
8.1×103
𝟔𝟒𝒙𝟑 = 𝟐𝟕 significant figures A. 77.80. B. 778.0. C. 7.870.
𝟐𝟕 D. 88.70.
𝒙𝟑 =
𝟔𝟒 Correct Answer: Option A
6.3×105 𝟕
𝟑𝟐𝟕 𝟑 Explanation: = × 10𝟐 = 0.77778 × 10𝟐
𝒙= √ = 8.1×103 𝟗
𝟔𝟒 𝟒 = 77.778 ≊ 77.80
2.813×10×1.063
2. [Jamb-Q5, 2000]: Evaluate
5.67×10−2
19. [Jamb-Q8, 2005]: If log10 2 = 0.3010 and reducing each number to two significant figures and
log10 3 = 3 = 0.4771, evaluate log10 0.45 A. leaving your answer in two significant figures. A.
0.4771. B. 0.3010. C. 0.6532. D. 0.9542. 0.056. B. 0.055. C. 0.054 D. 0.54
Correct Answer: Option C Correct Answer: Option B
2.813×10×1.063 𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟖𝟏𝟑×𝟏.𝟎𝟔𝟑
Explanation: If log10 2 = 0.3010 and log10 3 = Explanation: =
5.67×10−2 𝟎.𝟎𝟓𝟔𝟑𝟕
3 = 0.4771, ≊ 0.0028 × 1.10.056 = 0.055
3×3 3. [Jamb-Q9, 1983]: If 0.0000152 × 0.00042 =
log10 0.45 = log10 ( )
2 𝐴 × 10𝐵 , where 1 ≤ 𝐴 < 10, find A and B A. 𝐴 =
log10 3 + log10 3 − log10 2 9, 𝐵 = 6.38. B. 𝐴 = 6.38, 𝐵 = −9. C. 𝐴 =
= 0.4771 + 0.4771 − 0.3010 6.38, 𝐵 = 9. D. 𝐴 = 6.38, 𝐵 − 1.
= 0.6532 Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation: 0.0000152 × 0.00042 = 𝐴 × 10𝐵 , 9. [Jamb-Q3, 1990]: Correct 241. 34 (3 × 10−3 )2 to
1 ≤ A < 10, it means values of A includes 1 - 9 4 significant figures A. 0.0014. B. 0.001448. C.
0.0000152 = 1.52 x 10-5 0.0022. D. 0.002172.
0.00042 = 4.2 x 10-4 Correct Answer: Option D
1.52 x 4.2 = 6.384 Explanation: 241. 34 × (3 × 10−3 )2
10-5 x 10-4 = 10-5-4 = 10-9 = 241. 34 × 32 × 10−3 = 0.00217206
= 6.38 x 10-9 = 0.002172(4 𝑠. 𝑓)
A = 6.38, B = -9 10. [Jamb-Q6, 1990]: Simplify and express in
0.0001432
4. [Jamb-Q3, 1984]: = 𝑘 × 10𝑛 where 1 ≤ standard form
1940000 (0.00275×0.0064)
𝑘 < 10 and n is a whole number. The value of n and A. 8.8×101. B. 8.8×102. C.
(0.025×0.08)
k are A. 7.381 and -11. B. 2.34 and 10. C. 8.8×10-3 . D. 8.8×103.
3.871 and 2. D. 7.831 and -11. Correct Answer: Option C
Correct Answer: Option A (0.00275×0.0064)
0.0001432 Explanation:
Explanation: = 𝑘 × 10𝑛 (0.025×0.08)
1940000 Removing the decimals = 275 × 642500 × 800
where 1 ≤ k ≤ 10 and n is a whole number. Using
= 88104 = 88 × 10−4 = 88 × 10−1 × 10−4
four figure tables, the eqn. gives 7.38 x 10-11
= 8.8 × 10−3
k = 7.381, n = -11
0.0324×0.00064 11. [Jamb-Q5, 1995]: Express the product of 0.0014
5. [Jamb-Q8, 1986]: Simplify A. and 0.011 in standard form A. 1.54 x 10-2. B.
0.48×0.012
3.6×10 . B. 3.6×10 . C. 3.6×10 . D. 3.6×104.
2 -2 -3
1.54×10. C. 1.54×10-4 D. 1.54×10-3.
Correct Answer: Option C Correct Answer: Option D
−4 −5
Explanation:
0.0324×0.00064
= 324×10 ×64×10 Explanation: 0.0014 = 1.4 × 10−3
−2 −3
0.48×0.012
−9
48×10 ×12×10 0.011 = 1.1 × 10−2
324 × 64 × 10 ∴ 0.0014 × 0.011 = 1.4 × 10−3 × 1.1 × 10−2
=
−5
= 36 × 10−4 = 3.6 × 10−3
48 × 12 × 10 = 1.54 × 10−5
6. [Jamb-Q4, 1987]: Reduce each number to 2 0.21×0.072×0.00054
0.021741×1.2047
12. [Jamb-Q5, 2005]: Evaluate
0.006×1.68×0.063
significant figures and then evaluate correct to four significant figures A. 0.1286. B.
0.023789
A. 0.8. B. 0.9. C. 1.1. D. 1.2. 0.1285. C. 0.01286. D. 0.01285.
Correct Answer: Option C Correct Answer: Option A
0.021741×1.2047 0.022×1.2 0.21×0.072×0.00054 9×10−10
Explanation: = (to 216) Explanation: =
0.023789 0.024 0.006×1.68×0.063 7×10−8
0.0264 −2
= = 1.1 = 1.2857 × 10 = 0.012857 ≊ 0.01286 (to 4 s.f)
0.024
(05625)2 −(0.4375)2
7. [Jamb-Q11, 1988]: The thickness of an 800-page 13. [Jamb-Q30, 2007]: Evaluate
0.04
book is 18mm. Calculate the thickness of one leaf of correct to 3 significant figures A. 3.11. B. 3.13 C.
the book giving your answer in meters and in 0.313. D. 3.12.
standard form A. 2.25×10-4m. B. 4.50×10-4m. C. Correct Answer: Option B
2.25×10-5m. D. 4.50×10-5m. (05625)2 −(0.4375)2
Correct Answer: Option D Explanation: =
0.04
Explanation: Thickness of an 800 pages book = (𝟎.𝟓𝟔𝟐𝟓+𝟎.𝟒𝟑𝟕𝟓)(𝟎.𝟓𝟔𝟐𝟓−𝟎.𝟒𝟑𝟕𝟓)

18mm to meter = 18 × 103 𝑚 = 1.8 × 10−2 𝑚 𝟎.𝟎𝟒

1.8×10−2 1.8×10−2 1.8
𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟏𝟐𝟓
One leaf = = = − × 10−4 = = 𝟑. 𝟏𝟐𝟓 = 𝟑. 𝟏𝟑
800 8×102 8 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒
= 0.225 10 = 2.2510−5 𝑚
−4 14. [Jamb-Q10, 2010]: Express the product of 0.21
and 0.34 in standard form A. 7.14×10-4 B. 7.14×103.
one leaf contains 2 pages C. 7.14×10-2. D. 7.14×10-1.
: 2 × 2.25 × 10−5 𝑚 = 4.5 × 10−5 𝑚 Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation: 0.21 × 0.34 = 0.0714 = 7.14 ×
8. [Jamb-Q21, 1989]: Evaluate 2,700,000 × 0.03 ÷ 10−2
18 000 A. 4.5×100. B. 4.5×101. C. 4.5×102. 15. [Jamb-Q4, 2014]: Express the product of
3
D. 4.5×10 . 0.00043 and 2000 In standard form A. 8.6×101 B.
Correct Answer: Option A 8.6×10 C. 8.6×10-3. D. 8.3×102.
Explanation: 2,700,000 × 0.03 ÷ 18 𝟎𝟎𝟎 Correct Answer: Option C
𝟐𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑 81000 Explanation: 0.00043 x 2000
= = = 4.5 × 100 = 43 x 10-5 x 2 x 103
𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎𝟎 18000
= 43 x 2 x 10-5+3
= 86 x 10-2
= 8.6 x 101 x 10-2 15. [Jamb-Q3, 1994]: Find the value of (16)3/2 +
= 8.6 x 10-1 log10 0.0001 + log 2 32 . A. 0.065. B. 0.650. C.
6,500. D. 65,000.

16. [Jamb-Q5, 1997]: Simplify log 2 96 − 2 log 2 6

A. 2 − log 2 3. B. 3 − log 2 3 C. log 2 3 − 3 D.
log 2 3 − 2
Common logarithm problems along with using
tables 17. [Jamb-Q11, 2000]: Evaluate 5−3 log5 2 × 22 log2 3
1 2 1
A. 8. B. 1 C. D.
8 5 8
Case study guide:

No Standard form Log presentation

18. [Jamb-Q1, 2003]: Evaluate log √2 4 +
charact mantissa log1/2 16 − log 4 32 A. 2.5. B. 5.5 C. −5.5.
eristics D. 2.5
5 5 × 100 0 .6990 𝐿𝑜𝑔5 = 0.6990
60 6.0 × 101 1 .7782 𝐿𝑜𝑔60 = 1.7782 19. [Jamb-Q9, 2006]: Calculate the logarithm to
8156 8.156 × 103 3 .9115 𝐿𝑜𝑔8156 = 3.6990
̅. 9138
base 9 of 3−4 × 9 × (81)−1 A. 0. B. 2. C. −4.
0.0082 8.2 × 10−3 ̅
-3 or 3 .9138 Log0.0082= 3
D.−2
0.2 2.0 × 10−1 ̅
-1 or 1 .3010 ̅. 3010
𝐿𝑜𝑔0.2 = 1
20. [Jamb-Q9, 2014]: Evaluate log 2 8 + log 2 16 −
log 2 4
A. 5. B. C. 3 D. 4.
1. [Jamb-Q23, 1982]: Express 37.05 × 0.0042 in
standard form A. 15.561 × 102 . B. 1.5561 × 102 .
C. 1.5561 × 101
D. 1.6551 × 10−1 E. 1.5561 × 10−1 23. [Jamb-Q8, 2010]: Given that 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = 0.3010,
Correct Answer: Option E 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 = 0.8451, evaluate 𝑙𝑜𝑔 112 A. 3.1461. B.
Explanation: 37.05 × 0.0042 in standard form 2.5441. C. 2.1461. D. 2.0491.
No Log
37.05 1.5688 24. [Jamb-Q7, 2011]: If log 3 18 + log 3 3 −
0.0042 3.6232 3 log 𝑥 3 = 3, find 𝑥. A. 1. B. 2. C. 0. D. 3.
1.1920
= 0.1556 = 1.556 x 10-1 25. [Jamb-Q71, 2012]: If log 3 𝑥 2 = −8, what is 𝑥
2. [Jamb-Q23, 1982]: find the correct to three 1 1 1 1
A. B. C. D.
3 9 27 81
significant, the value of √41830 A. 205. B. 647 C.
2050. D. 6470 E. 64.7
26. [Jamb-Q7, 2013]: If log10 4 = 0. 6021, evaluate
Correct Answer: Option A
log 3 41/3 A. 0.3011. B.0.9021. C.1.8063. D. 0.2007.
Explanation: √41830 in three significant figure
No Log 27. [Jamb-Q6, 2014]: if 𝑙𝑜𝑔7.5 = 0.8751, evaluate
41830 4.6215 2𝑙𝑜𝑔75 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔750 A. 66.253 B.6.6252
√41830 4.6215 C. 6.6253 D. 66.252
= 2.3108
2
204.6
204.6 0.00625×10−4
17. [Jamb-Q43, 2015]: Simplify A.
In three significant figures, the value = 205 0.0025×10−6
3 −2 −3
3. 2.5 × 10 . B. 2.5 × 10 C. 2.5 × 10 D. 2.5 ×
103

self Self-practice work solutions on simple interest

9. [Jamb-Q8, 1985]: Without using tables, evaluate 2.10 C 2.50 C
1 1
log 2 4 + log 4 2 − log 25 5 A. B. C.0 D. 2 2.20 B 2.60 D
2 5
2.30 C
 2.40 C Correct Answer: Option A
4 4 4 4
Explanation: ( √3 + √2)( √3 − √2)(√3 + √2)
4 4 4 4 4 4
(√3 + √2)(√3 − √2) = √𝟑 − √𝟔 + √𝟔 − √𝟐 = √3 −
√2
= (√3 − √2)(√3 + √2) = 𝟑 + √6 − √6 − 𝟐
= 𝟑−𝟐=𝟏
5. [Jamb-Q8, 1990]: Simplify

√160𝑟 2 + 7√1𝑟 4 + √100𝑟 8 )

JAMB PREVIOUS QUESTIONS ON SURDS A. 9𝑟 2 . B. 12√3𝑟. C. 13r. D. √13𝑟

1. [Jamb-Q9, 1978]: Find a square root of 170 − Correct Answer: Option C
20 √30
A. 2√10 − 5√3. B. 3√5 − 8√6. C. 2√5 − Explanation: √160𝑟 2 + √71𝑟 4 + √100𝑟 8
Simplifying from the innermost radical and
5√6. D. 5√5 − 2√6.
progressing outwards we have the given expression
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation: √170 − 20 √30 = √𝒂 − √𝑏 √160𝑟 2 + √71𝑟 4 + √100𝑟 8
Squaring both sides,
170 − 20 √30 = 𝒂 + 𝒃 − 𝟐√𝒂𝒃
Equating the rational and irrational parts, we have = √160𝑟 2 + √71𝑟 4 + 10𝑟 4
𝑎 + 𝑏 = 170. . . (1)
𝟐√𝒂𝒃 = 20 √30 = √160𝑟 2 + √81𝑟 4 = √160𝑟 2 + 9𝑟 2 = √169𝑟 2
𝟐√𝒂𝒃 = 2√30 × 100 = √3000 = 13𝑟
𝑎𝑏 = 3000. . . (2) 6. [Jamb-Q6, 1992]: Simplify 5√18 − 3√72 + 4√5
3000 A. 17√44 B. 4√17 C. 17√2 D. 12√4
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 (2), 𝑏 =
𝑎 Correct Answer: Option C
3000 2 Explanation: 5√18 − 3√72 + 4√5
𝑎+ = 170 ⟹ 𝑎 + 3000 = 170𝑎
𝑎 = 5(3√2) − 3(6√2) + 4(5√2)
2
𝑎 − 170𝑎 + 3000 = 0
𝑎2 − 20𝑎 − 150𝑎 + 3000 = 0 15√2 − 18√2 + 20√2 = 35√2 − 18√2
𝑎(𝑎 − 20) − 150(𝑎 − 20) = 0 = 17√2
9
𝑎 = 20 𝑜𝑟 𝑎 = 150 7. [Jamb-Q5, 1994]: Simplify √48 − + √75
√3
3000 3000
∴𝑏= = 150; 𝑏 = = 20 A. 5√3. B. 6√3. C. 8√3. D. 18√3
20 150 Correct Answer: Option B
9
√170 − 20√𝟑𝟎 = √20 − √150 Explanation: √48 − + √75
√3
9 9
𝑜𝑟 √150 − √20 Rearrange = √48 + √75 − = 4√3 + 5√3 −
√3 √3
= 2√5 − 5√6 𝑜𝑟 5√𝟔 − 2√5 9
= (√16 × √3) + (√25 × √3) −
2. √3
3. [Jamb-Q1, 1980]: Find the product of (2√𝑦 − 9
= 4√3 + 5√3 −
3𝑦) and (3𝑦 + 2√𝑦) A. 4𝑦 − 𝑦 2 . B. 4𝑦 + 9𝑦 2 . √3
9 √3 9√3 9√3
C. 4𝑦 − 9𝑦 2 . D. −4𝑦 − 9𝑦 2 . Rationalize → = 9√3 × = − = 6√3
√3 √3 √9 √3
2
Correct Answer: Option C 8. [Jamb-Q4, 2002]: Simplify (√0. 7 + √70)
Explanation: (2√𝑦 − 3𝑦)(3𝑦 + 2√𝑦) A. 84.7. B. 70.7. C. 217.7. D. 168.7.
= 6y y + 4y - 9y2 - 6y√𝑦 = 4y - 9y2 Correct Answer: Option A
4 4 4 4
4. [Jamb-Q15, 1985]: ( √3 + √2)( √3 − √2)(√3 + Explanation: (√0. 7 + √70)
2

√2) is equal to A. 4√3 + 4√2. B. (4√3 −

= (√0. 7 + √70)(√0. 7 + √70)
4√2)√3 + √2
= 0.7 + 2√0.7 × 70 + 70
𝐶. (√3 + √2) D. 1.
= 0.7 + 14 + 70 = 84.7
9. [Jamb-Q7, 2003]: Simplify
√98−√50
A.
1
B.
1 4. [Jamb-Q1, 1982]: Rationalize the expression
√32 2 4 1 1 √2 √5
C. 1 D. 3 A. (√5 − √2) B. − C. √2 −
√2+√5 3 2 5
√5 D. 3(√2 − √5)
√5(√147−√12) 1 5√7−7√5
10. [Jamb-Q8, 2013]: Simplify A. 5. [Jamb-Q13, 1984]: Rationalize A.
√15 9 √7+√5
1
B. 9 C. 5 D. −2√35. B. 4√7 − 6√5 C. −√35. D. √35.
5
3 1 1
11. [Jamb-Q9, 1990]: Simplify √27 + A. 4√3. 6. [Jamb-Q13, 1986]: Simplify ( − )×
√3 √5−√3 √5+√3
3 √3 1 √3 2
B. C. 3√3 D. A. B. C. -2 D.-1
√3 4 √3 √5 √3
12. [Jamb-Q16, 2015]: Simplify (√3 − √2)(2√3 + Correct Answer: Option D
1 1 1
√2) A. 1 − √6. B. 4 − 2√6. C. 4 + 2√6. D. Explanation: ( − )×
√5−√3 √5+√3 √3
4 − √6 15√+3√−15√−3√
(5√−3√) − (5√+3√)(5√+3√)(5√−3√)
Basic Operations In Surd Answers
1c 2A 3C 4D 5C 6C 7B 8A 9C 10C 11A 12D
= 5√−3√−5√−3√5 − 15√+15√−3
= −23√2
= −3– √
∴ (15√+3√−15√−3√) × 13√= −3– √× 13√
RATIONALIZATION OF SURDS = −1
This is a process by which a conjugate surd of the
denominator is multiplied to both numerator and 7. [Jamb-Q15, 1987]: Simplify without using tables
denominator of the fractional surd. 2√14×3√21 3√14 3√2 3√14 3√2
Mathematically, A. B. C. D.
7√24×2√98 4 4 28 28
√𝑎 √𝑎 √𝑏 √𝑎𝑏 1
= × = 8. [Jamb-Q10, 1989]: Simplify 4 −
√𝑏 √𝑏 √𝑏 𝑏 2−√3
Case study s1 A. 2√3 B. −2 + √3 C. −2 + √4 D. 2 − √3
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎+√𝑏
= × 9. [Jamb-Q10, 1991]: Rationalize
2√3−3√2
A.
𝑎−√𝑏 𝑎−√𝑏 𝑎+√𝑏
3√2−2√3
𝑎(𝑎+√𝑏)
= 5 − 2√6 B. 5 + 2√6 C. 5√3 D.5
𝑎2 −𝑏
1 1
10. [Jamb-Q11, 1991]: Simplify − A.
1. [Jamb-Q17, 1979]: Rationalize the denominator 3+√5 3−√5
1 1 1
6+2√5 24+18√6+ 8√5+6√30 − √5 B. √5 C. √5 D. 0
of the expression A. 2 2 4
4−3√6 19
√1+𝑥+√𝑥
−12+9√3+ 4√5+3√10 12+4√5+75+6√3 11. [Jamb-Q24, 1991]: Simplify
B. C. √1+𝑥−√𝑥
19 19
−(15+ 3√5+185+6√30) −(12+ 4√5+9√6+3√30) A. 1 − 2𝑥 − 2√(𝑥(1 + 𝑥). B. 1 + 2𝑥 +
D. E.
19 19 2√(𝑥(1 + 𝑥). C. √(𝑥(1 + 𝑥) D. 1 + 2𝑥 −
2. Rationalize the denominator of the given
√1+𝑎−√𝑎
2√(𝑥(1 + 𝑥).
expression A. 1 + 2𝑎 − 2√[𝑎(1 + 𝑎)]. √12−√3
√1+𝑎+√𝑎
12. [Jamb-Q8, 1995 or Q9, 2005]: Simplify
√12+√3
B. √[𝑎(1 + 𝑎)]. C. 2𝑎 − 2 √[𝑎(1 + 𝑎)]. D. 1
A. B.0 C. D. 1
2𝑎 − 2 √[𝑎 (1 + 𝑎)] − 1. 3
2√3+3√5
Correct Answer: Option A 13. [Jamb-Q7, 1997]: Simplify A
3√5−2√3
√1+𝑎−√𝑎 √1+𝑎−√𝑎 √1+𝑎−√𝑎
Explanation = × = 19+4√15
B.
19+4√15
C.
19+2√15
D.
19+2√15
√1+𝑎+√𝑎 √1+𝑎+√𝑎 √1+𝑎−√𝑎
11 19 11 19
√ 1+𝑎+𝑎 𝐾
1+𝑎−𝑎 14. [Jamb-Q5, 1998]: Find the value of K if =
√3+√2
= 2𝑎 + 𝑎(1 + 𝑎)
𝐾√3 − 2 A. 3. B. 2. C. √3. D. √2
= 1 + 2𝑎 − 2√[𝑎(1 + 𝑎)]
15. [Jamb-Q4, 1999]: Find the value of x if A.
3.
3√2 + 4. B. 3√2 − 4. C. 3 − 2√2. D. 4 + 2√2.
 2√3−√2
16. [Jamb-Q3, 2000]: If = 𝑚 + 𝑛√6, Find
√3−2√2
Surdic equations
the values of m and n respectively. A. 1, −2. B. −2,1. 1.
2 3
C. − , 1. D. 2, 2. [Jamb-Q10, 1988]: Find m such that (𝑚 +
5 5
17. [Jamb-Q5, 2001]: Given that 𝑝 = 1 + √2 and √3)(1 − √3)2 = 6 − 2√3 A. 1. B. 2 C. 3 D.
𝑝2 −𝑞 2 4.
𝑞 = 1 − √2, evaluate A. −2(2 + √2) B.
2𝑝𝑞 36
3. [Jamb-Q7, 1992]: If 𝑥 = 3 − √3, find 𝑥 2 +
2(2 + √2) C. −2√2 D. 2√2 𝑥2
1 A. 9. B. 18. C. 24 D. 27.
18. [Jamb-Q7, 2004]: Simplify in the form 𝑎 +
√3+2 4. [Jamb-Q6, 1994]: Given that √2 = 1.414, find
𝑏√3 A. −2 − √3. B. −2 + 3√3 C. 2 − √3. D. without using table, the value of
1
A. 0.5324 B.
√2
2 + √3
0.7071. C. 0.3214.
19.
2 12 D. 2.143.
20. [Jamb-Q23, 2006]: Rationalize A. − −
6−5√3 39 5. [Jamb-Q28, 2007]: Find y, if √12 − √147 +
10√3 12 10√3 12 10√3 12 10√3
B. − C. + D. − + 𝑦√3 = 0 A. 5. B. 1 C. 7 D. 3.
39 39 39 39 39 39 39
1+√2
21. [Jamb-Q9, 2008]: If is expressed in the
1−√2
form 𝑥 + 𝑦√2, find the value of x and y A. (-3,-2). B. Self
(-2, 3). C. (3, 2). 1. [Jamb-Q49, 1979]: If √3𝑥 = √9 then the value of
D. (2,-3). 3 1
𝑥 is A. B. 2. C. 1 D.
5+√7 4 3
22. [Jamb-Q9, 2009]: Simplify A. 17 − √7. √2 √3−√2
5−√7 3. Simplify − A. 2√2 − √3. B.
√3−2 √3+√2
B. 4 − √7. C. 15 − √7. D.7 − √7.
3(√6 − 1)
2√3+√5
23. [Jamb-Q9, 2010]: Rationalize A. C. √6 − 3 D. −
1
√5−√3
2
3√15+11 3√15−11
B. C. 3√15 − 11 D. 3√15 + 11
2 2

2−√5 1−√5
24. [Jamb-Q8, 2011]: Rationalize A.
3−√5 2
1−√5 √5−1 1+√5
B. C. D.
4 2 2

1
25. [Jamb-Q9, 2011]: Simplify (√2 + ) (√2 −
√3
1 7 5 7 3
) A. B. C. D.
2−√3 3 3 2 2

2√2−√3
26. [Jamb-Q8, 2014]: Simplify A. 3√6 −
√2+√3
1. B. 3√6 + 1. C. 3√6 − 7. D. 3√6 + 7.
1 1
27. [Jamb-Q5, 1993]: Simplify − A. 4
√3−2 √3+2
2
B. C.0. D. −4.
√3

Conjugate Surd Answers

1D 2A 38 4A 5C 6D 7D 8D 9B 10A 118 12A 13A
14D 15A
16B 17C 18C 19A 20C 21A 22B 23A 24B 25B 26C
27D