JAMB Mathematics Syllabus 2026
SECTION I: NUMBER AND NUMERATION
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Number Bases | • Operations in different number bases (2 to 10) • Conversion from one base to another (including fractional parts) |
| Fractions, Decimals, Approximations & Percentages | • Fractions and decimals • Significant figures • Decimal places • Percentage errors • Simple interest • Profit and loss percent • Ratio, proportion and rate • Shares and VAT |
| Indices, Logarithms & Surds | • Laws of indices • Standard form • Laws of logarithm • Logarithm to a given base • Change of bases in logarithm • Relationship between indices and logarithm • Surds |
| Sets | • Types of sets • Algebra of sets • Venn diagrams and applications |
SECTION II: ALGEBRA
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Polynomials | • Change of subject of formula • Factor and remainder theorems • Factorization of polynomials (degree ≤ 3) • Multiplication and division of polynomials • Roots of polynomials (degree ≤ 3) • Simultaneous equations (one linear, one quadratic) • Graphs of polynomials (degree ≤ 3) |
| Variation | • Direct variation • Inverse variation • Joint variation • Partial variation • Percentage increase and decrease |
| Inequalities | • Analytical and graphical solutions of linear inequalities • Quadratic inequalities (integral roots only) |
| Progression | • nth term of a progression • Sum of A.P. and G.P. |
| Binary Operations | • Properties: closure, commutativity, associativity, distributivity • Identity and inverse elements |
| Matrices & Determinants | • Algebra of matrices (up to 3×3) • Determinants (up to 3×3) • Inverses of 2×2 matrices |
SECTION III: GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Euclidean Geometry | • Properties of angles and lines • Polygons: triangles, quadrilaterals, general polygons • Circles: angle properties, cyclic quadrilaterals, intersecting chords • Construction |
| Mensuration | • Lengths and areas of plane figures • Arcs and chords of circles • Perimeters and areas of sectors and segments • Surface areas and volumes of solids and composite figures • Earth as a sphere: longitudes and latitudes |
| Loci | • Locus in 2D based on geometric principles (lines and curves) |
| Coordinate Geometry | • Midpoint and gradient of line segment • Distance between two points • Parallel and perpendicular lines • Equations of straight lines |
| Trigonometry | • Trigonometric ratios of angles • Angles of elevation and depression • Bearings • Areas and solutions of triangles • Graphs of sine and cosine • Sine and cosine formulae |
SECTION IV: CALCULUS
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Differentiation | • Limit of a function • Differentiation of algebraic and simple trigonometric functions |
| Application of Differentiation | • Rate of change • Maxima and minima |
| Integration | • Integration of algebraic and simple trigonometric functions • Area under the curve |
SECTION V: STATISTICS
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Representation of Data | • Frequency distribution • Histogram, bar chart, pie chart |
| Measures of Location | • Mean, mode, median (ungrouped and grouped data) • Cumulative frequency |
| Measures of Dispersion | • Range • Mean deviation • Variance • Standard deviation |
| Permutation & Combination | • Linear and circular arrangements • Arrangements with repeated objects |
| Probability | • Experimental probability • Addition and multiplication of probabilities (mutual and independent cases) |
Purpose of the JAMB Mathematics Syllabus
The JAMB Mathematics syllabus is designed with four key objectives in mind:
- Computational and Manipulative Skills - Developing your ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately and efficiently
- Logical and Formal Reasoning - Building precise, structured thinking patterns essential for mathematical problem-solving
- Interpretive Skills - Enhancing your ability to read and understand graphs, diagrams, and data presentations
- Practical Application - Applying mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems in daily living.
Structure of the Syllabus
The JAMB Mathematics syllabus is organized into five comprehensive sections, each covering essential mathematical concepts you'll encounter in tertiary education.
Section I: Number and Numeration
This foundational section covers the basics of numerical operations and systems. You'll work with number bases ranging from base 2 to base 10, mastering conversions between different bases including fractional parts. The section also emphasizes practical applications through topics like simple interest, profit and loss calculations, VAT, and ratio problems.
Key areas include understanding fractions and decimals, working with significant figures and decimal places, and mastering indices, logarithms, and surds. Set theory rounds out this section, requiring you to understand various types of sets and solve problems using Venn diagrams with up to three sets.
Section II: Algebra
Algebra forms the backbone of higher mathematics. This section begins with polynomials, where you'll learn to manipulate expressions up to degree 3, apply factor and remainder theorems, and solve simultaneous equations involving one linear and one quadratic equation.
You'll explore different types of variation—direct, inverse, joint, and partial—and learn to solve both linear and quadratic inequalities. The section also covers progressions (arithmetic and geometric), binary operations with their properties, and matrix algebra including determinants and inverses of 2×2 matrices.
Section III: Geometry and Trigonometry
This extensive section bridges visual and analytical mathematics. Euclidean geometry covers properties of angles, lines, polygons, and circles, including important theorems about cyclic quadrilaterals and intersecting chords.
Mensuration requires calculating areas, perimeters, surface areas, and volumes of various shapes and solids, including composite figures. You'll also study the Earth as a sphere, working with longitudes and latitudes.
Coordinate geometry introduces you to finding midpoints, gradients, distances between points, and equations of straight lines in various forms. Trigonometry covers ratios, angles of elevation and depression, bearings, and the application of sine and cosine rules to solve triangle problems.
Section IV: Calculus
Calculus introduces you to the mathematics of change. You'll learn about limits of functions and differentiation of algebraic and simple trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent).
Applications of differentiation include solving rate of change problems and finding maximum and minimum values. Integration covers both algebraic and trigonometric functions, with practical applications in calculating areas under curves.
Section V: Statistics
The final section equips you with tools for data analysis and probability. You'll learn to represent data using frequency distributions, histograms, bar charts, and pie charts.
Measures of location (mean, mode, median) and dispersion (range, mean deviation, variance, standard deviation) help you understand and describe data sets. The section concludes with permutations, combinations, and probability theory, including experimental probability and the addition and multiplication rules.
Study Tips for JAMB Mathematics
Master the Fundamentals - Each section builds on previous knowledge. Ensure you have a solid grasp of basic concepts before moving to advanced topics.
Practice Regularly - Mathematics requires consistent practice. Work through problems from each topic area to build proficiency and speed.
Understand, Don't Memorize - Focus on understanding concepts and methods rather than memorizing formulas. This deeper understanding will help you tackle varied question types.
Use Past Questions - Familiarize yourself with JAMB's question format and difficulty level by practicing with past examination papers.
Focus on Weak Areas - Identify topics where you struggle and allocate extra study time to these areas.
Time Management - Practice solving problems within time limits to prepare for the examination environment.
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Key Topics That Require Special Attention
Certain topics consistently appear in JAMB examinations and deserve focused study:
- Surds and indices operations
- Quadratic equations and inequalities
- Trigonometric ratios and their applications
- Differentiation and integration basics
- Probability problems
- Mensuration of composite figures
- Coordinate geometry problems
Recommended Approach to Each Section
For Number and Numeration: Build strong computational skills through daily practice of basic operations across different number bases.
For Algebra: Focus on understanding the logic behind algebraic manipulations. Practice factorization techniques extensively.
For Geometry and Trigonometry: Draw diagrams for every problem. Visual representation often makes solutions clearer.
For Calculus: Understand the fundamental concepts of limits, rates of change, and accumulation before diving into complex problems.
For Statistics: Practice interpreting charts and graphs. Learn to extract relevant information quickly from data presentations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Candidates often struggle with sign errors in algebraic manipulations, confusion between similar concepts (like permutations and combinations), and misapplication of formulas. Pay careful attention to units in word problems, especially in mensuration and rate problems. Ensure you understand when to apply specific trigonometric ratios or calculus techniques.
Preparation Timeline
Begin your preparation by reviewing all topics systematically. Allocate more time to sections you find challenging. As the examination approaches, shift focus to practice tests and timed problem-solving sessions. In the final weeks, concentrate on reviewing formulas, practicing past questions, and reinforcing your understanding of frequently tested concepts.
Conclusion
The JAMB Mathematics syllabus for 2026 provides a clear roadmap for your preparation. Success requires understanding each topic thoroughly, practicing consistently, and applying mathematical concepts to solve varied problems. With dedicated study following this syllabus, you'll build the computational, reasoning, and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in the UTME and in your future academic pursuits.
Remember that mathematics is a cumulative subject—each concept builds on previous knowledge. Take your time to master each section, seek help when needed, and maintain a consistent study schedule. Your effort in following this syllabus will pay dividends not just in the examination but throughout your academic career.
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