Measures of Location: JAMB Mathematics Questions, Answers & Notes

What Measures of Location covers in the JAMB Mathematics syllabus

Measures of location (averages) summarise data with a single central value. The mean is the sum of all values divided by how many there are. The median is the middle value when the data is put in order (for an even count, average the two middle values; its position is (n+1)/2). The mode is the most frequent value (a set can be bimodal). The mean uses every value, so it is most affected by an outlier, while the median resists extremes. For grouped data, estimate the mean using the class midpoints weighted by frequency.

For Measures of Location, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Calculate the mean, median and mode of ungrouped data
• Find a missing value given the mean, and handle grouped data means
• Understand how outliers affect each average

Key facts & revision notes: Measures of Location

These are the recurring points our Measures of Location questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Mean = sum ÷ count = (4+6+8+10+12)/5 = 40/5 = 8.
• Arrange in order: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
• The mode is the most frequent value; 4 appears three times.
• Total = mean × count = 12 × 5 = 60.
• With an even count, the median is the average of the two middle values: (20+30)/2 = 25.
• The mode is the value that occurs most often.
• (6 + x + 10)/3 = 8, so 16 + x = 24, giving x = 8.
• Mean = (0+1+2+3+4)/5 = 10/5 = 2.
• The median is the middle value, splitting ordered data into two equal halves.
• Mean = (12+15+15+18+20)/5 = 80/5 = 16.
• 5 occurs three times — more than any other value — so the mode is 5.
• New total = 36 + 14 = 50.
• Middle two are 5 and 6; median = (5+6)/2 = 5.5.
• The mean uses every value, so a very large or small outlier pulls it noticeably.
• A data set with two modes is bimodal.
• Mean = (3+5+7+9+11+13)/6 = 48/6 = 8.
• For grouped data, use each class midpoint (class mark) × frequency, summed and divided by total frequency.
• Median position = (n+1)/2 = (11+1)/2 = 6th value.
• Remove 30 → 70 over 4 numbers → mean = 70/4 = 17.5.
• If every value is 6, the average is also 6.
• Ordered: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 — the middle value is 6.
• 5 occurs most often (three times).
• Total = mean × count = 10 × 6 = 60.
• With six values, median = (15 + 20)/2 = 17.5.

Worked examples

Three Measures of Location questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Measures of Location is tested in JAMB Mathematics

Our Measures of Location bank holds 40 questions (19 easy, 15 medium, 6 hard). JAMB Mathematics typically returns to Measures of Location year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Measures of Location questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Measures of Location. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Mathematics item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Measures of Location is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Measures of Location

The errors that cost marks on Measures of Location are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Measures of Location actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Measures of Location part of the JAMB Mathematics syllabus?

Yes. Measures of Location is a recognised topic in the JAMB Mathematics syllabus, covering calculate the mean, median and mode of ungrouped data. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Measures of Location questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Measures of Location questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Measures of Location?

Measures of location (averages) summarise data with a single central value. The mean is the sum of all values divided by how many there are. The median is the middle value when the data is put in order (for an even count, average the two middle values; its position is (n+1)/2). The mode is the most …

How do I answer Measures of Location questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Measures of Location. Practising timed Measures of Location questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Mathematics Measures of Location questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Measures of Location questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Measures of Location practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Mathematics syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.