MANEB PAST PAPERS-MATHS FOR PSLCE

2013
1. Express 10075 tambala in Kwacha and tambala.
Solution
100 tambala = K1
By dividing 10075 by 100 you will get K100 75 tambala

2. Write sixty five million one hundred and twelve in figures.

 65,000,112

3. Divide 784 by 10 giving your answer correct to the nearest whole number
Solution
784 ÷ 10 = 78.4
To the nearest whole number 78.4 is 78
4. A picture of a tree is 8cm long. If the scale used was , find the actual length
Solution
Given the length of image = 8cm Scale used

Let the actual length of a tree be 𝒚

So

Divide both sides by

You will get

Actual length is 32cm

5. Write the prime factor of 81
3

6. Find the total amount to be paid on a loan of K18000 for 3 years at 5% simple interest.
Solution

Simple Interest

Interest

Interest = K2700

Amount = Principal + Interest

 ∴ Amount = K18000 + K2700 = 𝐊𝟐𝟎, 𝟕𝟎𝟎

7. Simplify 18𝑡 + 4 − 2𝑡 − 1
Solution
18𝑡 − 2𝑡 + 4 − 1 = 𝟏𝟔𝒕 + 𝟑

Figure 1 shows a square with lines drawn in it. Use it to answer question 8.

8. Which line is a line of symmetry of the diagram?

 PT
Note: A square has four lines of symmetry

0.6×0.8
9. Simplify
0.012
Solution
If you multiply 0.6 by 0.8 you will get 0.48
Divide 0.48 by 0.012 (Multiply both numbers by 1000 to get rid of a decimal point in
0.012)
The numbers will be (0.48 × 1000) ÷ (0.012 × 1000) = 480 ÷ 12 = 𝟒𝟎
10. Find the median of the following set of numbers: 23, 17, 23, 17, 18, 19, 15, 16
Solution
You will need to arrange the numbers in their order (ascending or descending)
15, 16, 17, 17, 18, 19, 23, 23
Count the numbers from the beginning and the end to see which number(s) are on the middle. In
this case two numbers are found to be on the middle because there are eight of them. And these
are 17 and 18
So you add the two and divide the result by 2,

11. Figure 2 shows a right angle PQR and line QS bisects the angle.
 What is the value of angle t?
Solution
Angle PQR = 𝟗𝟎𝒐 (right angle)
Line QS bisects angle PQR (meaning it has cut the angle into two equal halves)
𝑜
Therefore the value of

Figure 3 is a diagram of a bottle containing paraffin. Use it to answer questions 12 and 13.

12. How many more litres of paraffin are needed to fill the bottle to the maximum marked level?
 20𝑙 − 6𝑙 = 𝟏𝟒𝒍

13. If the cost of paraffin is K500 per litre, find the cost of paraffin that is in the bottle.
Solution
There is 6 litres of paraffin in the bottle and the cost per litre is K500
Total cost will be K500 × 6 = 𝐊𝟑, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

14. A worker receives K23500 per month as his salary. If the gross salary per month is K28000, find the
total tax that the worker will pay after a year.
Solution
If the gross salary per month is K28000 and the worker receives K23,500
Then his/her monthly tax will be K28,000 − K23,500 = K4,500
Total annual tax = K4500 × 12 = 𝐊𝟓𝟒, 𝟎𝟎𝟎
15. Write twenty five minutes to six in the morning in figures
 5:35am (12 hour time) Or 05:35hrs (24 hour time)

16. Find the greatest number of farmers that can share 12 treadle pumps, 24 bags of fertilizer and 32
packets of seeds without a remainder. Solution
𝟏𝟐 = 2 × 2 × 3
𝟐𝟒 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3
 𝟑𝟐 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2
𝐇𝐂𝐅 = 2 × 2 = 𝟒

17. Find a rule for generating the following number pattern: 34, 28, 22, 16 . . .
 Subtract 6 from the previous number to get the next number

18. By selling a car for K500 000, a loss was made at the rate of 6t per Kwacha. Find the amount lost.
Solution
Given: Selling Price (SP) = K500 000
Loss% = 6%
The first thing to be found is Cost Price (CP)
Cost Price% = 100%, Selling Price% = 100% − 6% = 94%
If 94% = K500 000
Then 100% = More

So this will be:

This means we have Cost Price K531 914.89 and Selling Price K500 000.00
∴ Loss = CP − SP
Loss = K531 914.89 − K500 000.00 = 𝐊𝟑𝟏 𝟗𝟏𝟒. 𝟖𝟗

Table 1 shows business transactions for Mr Phiri for the month of November 2010. Use it to
answer questions 19 and 20.

Table 1
Dr Cr
Date Income Cash Bank Date Expenditure Cash Bank
02/11/10 Cash K8 000 02/11/10 Banked K3 500
08/11/10 Receipt K10 000 Paid for K 600
goods

19. What type of account is shown in the table?

 Cash book

20. What was the balance in hand on 1 December 2010?

Solution
Total cash collected (income) in November was K8000 and out of this K3500 + K600 = K4100
was spent
This means the balance was K8,000 − K4,100 = 𝐊𝟑, 𝟗𝟎𝟎

21. (a) Take away the sum of 1625 and 1021 from 3000.
Solution
3000 − (1625 + 1021)
3000 − 2646 = 𝟑𝟓𝟒
 (b) A hen laid 2𝑥 eggs. After hatching 5 chicks, 7 eggs remained. Find the value of 𝑥. Solution
2𝑥 − 5 = 7
2𝑥 − 5 + 5 = 7 + 5
2𝑥 = 12
6

Divide both sides by 2;

∴𝒙=𝟔

22. Table 2 shows rates of sending mail within Malawi.

Table 2
POSTAL ARTICLE MASS RATE (K)

By ordinary mail up to 1000g 150

above 1000g up to 3500g 200
above 3500g up to 5000g
350
above 5000g up to 7500g
400

By express mail up to 500g 750

above 500g up to 10kg 1000

How much would a person pay altogether for sending an ordinary mail of 550g and an express
mail of 800g?
Solution
Charge for sending an ordinary mail of 550g = K 150
Charge for sending an express mail of 800g = K1,000
Total money to be paid = K150 + K1000 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟏𝟓𝟎
23. Twenty five learners got the following marks out of 5:
1, 4, 5, 2, 3, 2, 5, 4, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5, 1, 0, 4, 3, 5, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4, 3.

(a) Present the data in a tally table.

Marks Tallies Number

0 1

1 2

2 2

3 6

4 8

5 6
 (b) What was the mode?
 4

24. (a) Solve the inequality 𝑔 + 18 > 80

Solution
𝑔 + 18 > 80
𝑔 + 18 − 18 > 80 − 18
𝒈 > 𝟔𝟐

(b) The area of a rectangle is 72cm2 and its length is 16cm. calculate the perimeter of the
rectangle.
Solution
Given: Area of rectangle = 72cm2 and Length = 16cm

To find width

Width
Width = 4.5cm
Perimeter = 2(L × W)
Perimeter = 2(16cm + 4.5cm)
Perimeter = 2 × 20.5cm
Perimeter = 𝟒𝟏𝐜𝐦
25. Figure 4 shows a composite shape made up of a square ABDE and a triangle BCD in which AB =
40cm and CF = 15cm.

If CF is a perpendicular height of the triangle, calculate the area of the shape. Solution
Area of a square = Side × Side
= 40cm × 40cm

= 1,600cm2

Area of a triangle

= 300cm2

Total area = 1,600cm2 + 300cm2 = 𝟏, 𝟗𝟎𝟎𝐜𝐦𝟐

26. Table 3 shows the monthly premium per K10 000 for life insurance policy for 26 to 28 years
olds.
Table 3
Age (years) Rate per K10 000
per month

26 K51.70

27 K51.80

28 K52.00

A man 28 years and his wife 26 years old want to insure their lives for K150 000 each. Find the
total monthly premium for the two. Solution

Man’s (28 years old) premium

Premium
= K52.00 × 15 = 𝐊𝟕𝟖𝟎. 𝟎𝟎

Wife’s (26 years old) premium

K51 .70 ×K15 0000
Premium
= K1 0000

= K51.70 × 15 = 𝐊𝟕𝟕𝟓. 𝟓𝟎
Total premium for the two = K780.00 + K775.50 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟓𝟓𝟓. 𝟓𝟎

27. Tina bought a dress at K3 500. Zione made a similar dress from 2 meters piece of cloth at K750
per meter, 6 buttons at 3 for K100, and thread for K60. How much did Zione save?
Solution
Amount of money spent by Zione:
2m of cloth @ K750 per meter; 𝟐 × 𝐊𝟕𝟐𝟎 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟓𝟎𝟎

thread @ = 𝐊 𝟔𝟎
Add the figures together: K1500 + K200 + K60 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟕𝟔𝟎
If Tina bought the similar dress @ K3,500
∴ 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝟑, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 − 𝐊𝟏, 𝟕𝟔𝟎 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟕𝟒𝟎

28. (a) Using a ruler and a protractor, construct a triangle ABC in which BC = 7cm. angle ABC = 65o
and angle ACB = 50o

Explanation:
Draw line BC = 7cm
Using a protractor measure angle CBA = 65o at point B
And angle BCA = 50o at point C
Line BA and AC will meet at point A as shown below
 65o 50o

(b) Measure and state the length of AC.

 If you have drawn the figure accurately you should measure line AC = 7cm
 (c) What type of triangle is it?
 Isosceles triangle

29. (a) A man bought 2 units of soap. He gave 8 tablets of soap to his son and the rest
to his wife. Find the ratio of soap given to the son to that given to the wife. Solution
2 units of soap = 2 × 10 (𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 = 10 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠) = 20
If the son was given 8 tablets of soap, then the wife received 20 − 8 = 12 tablets of
soap
Ratio of son to wife = 𝟖: 𝟏𝟐
Simplify the ratio (using the common factor of 8 and 12 which is 4) you get 𝟐: 𝟑

(b) A school has 800 learners; 25% are girls. If 75% of the girls stay at the boarding,
find the number of girls who do not stay at the boarding.
Solution
If the school has 800 learners and 25% are girls

Then 25% of 800

This gives us a total of 200 girls
Now, if 75% of the total number of girls (200) stay at boarding, it means that 25% of
them do not stay at the boarding.

. Or you can find 75% of 200 and subtract the result from 200 as

follows: .

30. A car travelled at a speed of 80km per hour for five hours.

(a) Using a scale of 2cm to represent 1 hour on the horizontal axis and 2cm to
represent 80km on the vertical axis, plot a line graph to represent the information.
 (b) Use your graph to find:
(i) The time the car would take to cover 280km
 3 hours 30 minutes

(ii) The distance the car would cover in .

 120km

2014 PAPER
1. Simplify 3.2 + 4.65 ÷ 1.5 Solution
3.2 + (4.65 ÷ 1.5)
3.2 + [(4.65 × 10 ÷ 1.5 × 10)]
3.2 + (46.5 ÷ 15)

3.2+3.1
6.3
2. Find the fourth number in the following number pattern:
960, 1 000, 1 040, ____, 1 120.
Solution
Common difference: 1 000 – 960 = 40
The fourth number will be 1,040 + 40 = 1,080
3. Solve the inequality 3𝑥 + 3 ≤ 15
Solution
3𝑥 + 3 − 3 ≤ 15 − 3
3𝑥 ≤ 12
Divide both sides by 3
𝒙≤𝟒

Figure 1 shows a triangle ABC. Use it to answer question 4.

6cm 6cm

C A
6cm

4. What name is given to the type of triangle ABC in figure 1?

 Equilateral triangle

5. What fraction is equivalent to 80%?

Solution

6. The circumference of the base of a basin is 176cm. calculate its radius. .

Solution
Circumference = πd = 2πr
Given that circumference is 176cm

Divide both sides by

∴ 𝒓 = 𝟐𝟖𝒄𝒎

7. Change the time 2:15pm to 24 hours.

  14:15 hours

8. Express 1 549 to the nearest hundred.

 1,500

9. Simplify 12e + 8f − 5 − 7f + 5e + 6
Solution
Put the like terms together 12e + 5e + 8f − 7f + 6 − 5
𝟏𝟕𝐞 + 𝐟 + 𝟏

10. A shopkeeper bought a tin of paint at K2 500.00 and sold it a K2 900.00. Calculate the
profit percent. Solution

Profit % =

= 16%

11. What is XXIX in Hindu Arabic numerals?

 29

12. Takondwa and Chikondi shared sweets in the ratio of 5:7. If Chikondi got 42 sweets,
how many sweets did Takondwa get?
Solution
Ratio given; 5:7
Total ratio = 5+7 = 12
Let the total number of sweets be

If Chikondi got 42 sweets which represents

(Divide both sides by to find the value of

Total number of sweets

= 72 sweets
Therefore Takondwa got

13. Express as a decimal number correct to 3 decimal places

Solution
Divide 1 by 3 you will get 0.33333
To 3 decimal places it is 0.333
 14. Chifundo scored 80% in a test. If the test was marked out of 20, calculate Chifundo’s
actual score.
Solution
Let Chifundo’s actual score be

If the test was marked out of 20, then she got

So
Cross multiply these Divide
both sides by 100 you get
(Chifundo’s actual score)

Classes

15. Find the difference between the number of absentees in classes 1 and 4.
Solution
Number of pupils absent in class 1 = 16 and class 4 = 10
The difference is 16 – 10 = 6

16. Find the average number of pupils who were absent in classes 2 and 7.
Solution
Number of pupils absent in class 2 = 14 and class 7 = 4

Average

17. A rectangular garden measures 520m by 280m. Reduce the measurements using a
scale of 1:20.
 Solution
Measurements given: 520m by 280m
Scale given: 1:20

Change the scale given from ratio to fraction

Multiply the measurements by the changed scale as follows:

26m by 14m

Figure 3 shows a type of angle. Use it to answer question 18.

18. What name is given to the type of an angle in figure 3?

 Reflex angle

19. Write six hundred and one million seven thousand five hundred and twelve in figures.
 601,007,512

20. What would be the result if 0.382 is multiplied by 2.1?

21. Divide 92kg 15g by 7

22. (a) Table 1 shows a message sent by telegram. Table 1

 FROM: MPHATSO BOX 555 LIWONDE
SCHOOL CLOSES NEXT WEEK
SEND TRANSPORT

TO: MRS MWALE BOX 6814

BLANTYRE

How much was the cost of sending the telegram at K12.00 per word?
Solution
There are 17 words. So multiply the amount per word by number of words.
K12.00 × 17 = 𝐊𝟐𝟎𝟒. 𝟎𝟎

(b) When the number 𝒎 is reduced by 13, the result is 15. Calculate the
number represented by 𝒎 Solution
𝑚 − 13 = 15
𝑚 − 13 + 13 = 15 + 13
∴ 𝒎 = 𝟐𝟖

23. Figure 4 shows a triangular space ABC with a flower lawn 1m wide. BC = 8cm and DH =
20m

Calculate the area of the lawn.

Solution
Area of triangle ABC

= 4cm × 21cm
= 84cm2

Area of triangle DEF

= 3cm × 20cm
= 60cm2
= 84cm2 − 60cm2 = 𝟐𝟒𝐜𝐦𝟐
24. Figure 5 shows a triangle ABC in which angle ABC = 90o, AB = 80cm and BC = 160cm.

(a) Draw the figure accurately using a scale of 1cm representing 20cm
Solution
Reduce the measurements by the given scale of 1:20

Height Base
Draw the triangle ABC using the new measurements. Make sure you use a pencil,
ruler and a protractor to draw a triangle as shown below.

Explanation
Draw line BC = 8cm using a ruler and a sharp pencil. Using a
protractor measure angle ABC = 90o at point B. Draw line BA = 4cm to
form angle ABC. Join points A and C to form line AC.

Drawn to scale
1:20

(b) In your diagram, measure angle BAC and state its value
 Use your protractor to measure angle BAC and state its value.

25. After selling a bicycle at K10 800.00, a person made a loss of 10%. At what price must
have the person sold it to gain 5%?
 Solution
Given: Selling Price = K10800
Loss% = 10% To find Cost
Price:
CP% = 100%, if 10% loss was realized then SP% = 90%
If 90% = K10800
Then 100% =? more

CP
If this person would sell the bicycle at 5% profit (gain) then its Selling Price could be:

SP
Selling Price = K600 + K12000 = 𝐊𝟏𝟐, 𝟔𝟎𝟎
26. Figure 6 shows a rectangle ABCD 15cm long and 7m wide with semi-circles on two
opposite sides.

Calculate the perimeter of the figure

Solution
Perimeter of the figure
The two semi-circles are of the same sizes since they have the same sizes of diameters
(AD and BC) as such these may be treated as one full circle
Circumference = 𝜋𝑑

Circumference
C = 22m
Total Perimeter = C + AB + DC

Perimeter = 22m + 15m + 15m = 𝟓𝟐𝐦

27. Table 2 shows the temperature readings for a certain school for five days.
Table 2
Day Temperature oC

Monday 30
 Tuesday 26

Wednesday 27

Thursday 32

Friday 20

Using a scale of 2cm to represent 10oC on the vertical axis, draw a bar graph to
represent the information.

28. Table 3 shows rates of tax on salary per month for a certain country.

Table 3
Salary per month Tax rate

First K9,000.00 0% (tax free)

Next K10,000.00 15%

Next K12,000.00 25%

Next K15,000.00 35%

 If a worker earns K30,000.00 per month, calculate the worker’s monthly tax.
Solution
Given: Salary per month K30,000.00
Salary Rate Tax
First K9,000.00 0% K0

Next K10,000.00 K1,500.00

Next K11,000.00 K2,750.00

Total monthly Tax for the worker = K0 + K1,500.00 + K2,750.00 = 𝐊𝟒, 𝟐𝟓𝟎. 𝟎𝟎

Explanation:
Take K9,000 from the total salary received, whose tax rate is 0% which
means no tax is paid on the first K9,000. After taking out this the balance
will be calculated in phases. In this case, the balance is K21,000. The next
K10,000 will be calculated at 15% and the remaining K11,000 at 25% as
given in the table above.

29. A rectangular tank 6m high has a base which measures 2m by 1.5m. How many litres
of water does it hold when it is half full?
Solution
Volume of the tank = L × W × H
V = 2m × 1.5m × 6m
V = 18m 3

Half of its volume

Capacity when it’s half full in litres
1m3 = 1000𝑙

9m3 = more
3

Capacity

Capacity = 𝟗, 𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬

30. Tadyere started business on 1 January, 2010 with cash in hand K20,000.00. During the
month Tadyere’s transactions were as follows:

• 2 January banked K10,000.00

• 5 January sold goods K8,575.00 cash
• 10 January cashed a cheque for goods sold K9,000
• 15 January paid loan K5,350

Prepare Tadyere’s cash account and bring down the balance ready for business on 1
February.
Tadyere’s Cash Account
 Dr Cr
Date Income Amount Date Payment Amount
01/01/10 Cash in hand 20,000.00 02/01/10 Banked 10,000.00
05/01/10 Sold goods 8,575.00 15/01/10 Paid loan 5,350.00
10/01/10 Cashed 9,000.00 31/01/10 Balance c/d 22,225.00
cheque
37,575.00 37,575.00

01/02/10 Balance b/d 22,225.00

2015 PAPER
1. Change 2.625 to a mixed number Solution

2. What does “b/d” stand for in accounting?

 Brought down
3. Write a statement to represent the inequality 𝒙 ≥ 𝟑
 𝒙 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝟑

4. A travelled at 50km/h takes 2 hours to cover a certain distance. How long will it take to
travel the same distance if it travels at 90km/h?
Solution
50km/h in 2hrs
Distance = Speed × Time
= 50km/h × 2hrs
= 100km

Time

Time

Time
Figure 1 is a bar graph showing number of trees planted by four primary schools in a
certain year. Use it to answer questions 5 and 6.
5. Which primary school planted the least number of trees?
 Tasa

6. How many more trees did Mveka plant than Tasa? Solution
Mveka planted 120 trees while Tasa planted 40 trees
120 − 40 = 𝟖𝟎 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬

7. Express 90o as a fraction of a complete turn.

Solution
A complete turn is 360o

So .

8. The drawing of an object is 6cm long. What is the actual length of the object if the
scale used is 1:10? Solution
Scale given = 1:10
The length of the actual object is bigger than the image; and it means we have to
enlarge the image using the given scale.

This will be
9. A nurse worked at the hospital for two decades. How many years did she work at the
hospital? Solution
1 decade = 10 years
2 decades = = 2 × 10 years
∴ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥
10. How many trips will a bus carrying 150 passengers per trip make to transport 6000
passengers to a celebration? Solution

= 𝟒𝟎 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬

11. The initial temperature reading on a thermometer was 30oC. After being placed
under the armpit of a patient, the temperature reading on the thermometer rose by
37oC. What was the new reading on the thermometer?
Solution
The initial thermometer reading was 30oC
If the temperature rose by 37oC then it means the new thermometer reading was 30oC +
37oC = 67oC.
Figure 2 shows a cash deposit form for Zatonse Bank which is partly filled. Use it to
answer questions 12 and 13.

12. How many 500 Kwacha notes were deposited?

Solution
K500 amounted to K8000
 = 𝟏𝟔 𝐊𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

13. Find the total amount of money that was deposited

Solution
The total amount deposited was
K8,000 + K600 + K100 + K300
= 𝐊𝟗, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

14. Loza gets a commission of K40 on every 5 blouses she sells. If she sells 125 blouses, find
her commission
Solution
If 5 blouses = K40.00
Then 125 blouses will be more

15. A trader paid 17.5% valued added tax for goods worth K2800. How much was the
value added tax? Solution

VAT
VAT = 𝐊𝟒𝟗𝟎

16. What name is given to the triangle whose angles are 60o each?  Equilateral triangle

17. A farmer wants to sell equal number of goats from the following: 30 brown, 72 black
and 78 white goats. Find the largest number of goats that could be sold from each
group.
30 = 2 × 3 × 5
70 = 2 × 5 × 7
72 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3
The largest number is 2

Figure 3 shows a simple balance with mass of two different balls: A and B. Use it to
answer questions 18 and 19.
18. What is the mass of the ball B in grams?
Solution
Mass of ball B in grams

= 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬

19. How many grams should be added to the ball B so that it balances with the ball A?
Solution
3000g – 2500g = 500g

20. Find the length of a square whose perimeter is 64cm.

Solution
Perimeter = 4 × S
But Perimeter is 64cm
64cm = 4 × Side

(Divide both sides by 4)

This gives us S = 16cm
∴ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 = 𝟏𝟔𝐜𝐦
21. (a) Find the median of the following body temperatures for patients at a certain hospital:
36.5oC, 37oC, 35.9oC, 36.2oC, 37.2oC and 37.7oC.
Solution
Arrange the temperature readings as follows: 35.9oC, 36.2oC, 36.5oC, 37oC, 37.2oC,
37.7oC
The middle numbers are 36.5oC and 37oC

Find the average (mean) of the two numbers as follows

𝟑𝟔. 𝟕𝟓𝐨𝐂

(b) Find the value of 𝑥 in the equation 3𝑥 + 2 = 18 − 𝑥. Solution

3𝑥 + 2 = 18 − 𝑥
 3𝑥 + 𝑥 = 18 − 2
4𝑥 = 16
Divide both sides by 4

22. (a) A shirt marked K2500 was sold for K2250. Calculate the discount percent. Solution

Discount %

Discount %
Discount % = 𝟏𝟎%

(b) In a number pattern, the first number is 26, the second number is 40 and the third is
54. Calculate the fifth number.
Solution
Number pattern: 26, 40, 54 …….
Rule: Add 14 to the previous number to get the next number
The fifth number will be 54 + 28 = 82
OR
54 + 14 = 68 (4th number)
68 +14 = 82 (5th number)

23. Add to the product of

Solution

24. A man bought 5 bags of onions for K4750. He sold two of the bags at K1235 each and the
rest at K1084 each. He also paid K50 market fee. Calculate the profit he made.
Solution
Given: CP = K4750
To find total Selling Price
 2 × K1235.00 = K2470.00
3 × K1084.00 = K3252.00

Total Selling Price = K5722.00

Profit = K5,722.00 − (K4,750.00 + K50.00)
= 𝐊𝟗𝟐𝟐. 𝟎𝟎

Note: K50 was a market fee. It has to be part of the expenses.

25. Figure 4 shows a plan of a hall XWTZY composed of a rectangle and XWZY and a semi-circle
WTZ. WZ = 42cm and ZY = 15cm.

If WZ is a diameter of the semi-circle, calculate the perimeter of the hall.

Solution
Perimeter of a semi-circle WTZ

= 66m .
Perimeter of ZYXW = 15m + 42m + 15m = 72m
Total Perimeter = 66m + 72m = 𝟏𝟑𝟖𝐦

26. (a) A tank is 50dm long, 30dm wide and 20dm deep. Calculate the capacity of the tank in

litres when it is .
Solution
Volume = Length × Width × Height
Volume = 50dm × 30dm × 20dm
Volume = 30,000dm3

1dm3 = 1𝑙
30,000dm3 = more
 When the tank is full its volume will be
5

(b) Mr Titha borrowed K5000 from Kupata bank. If the bank charged 10% simple interest
per month, how much money did Mr Titha pay at the end of two months?
Solution
Note: Time is given in months and should be changed to years
2 months to years will be

Interest

Interest

Interest

Interest

Interest

Amount = P + I
Amount = K5,000 + K83.33 = K5,083.33

27. Figure 5 is a composite shape ABCDEF made up of a trapezium CDEF and a square ABCF.

If BC = 20cm, ED = 35cm and perpendicular height GH = 15cm, calculate the area of the
shape.
Solution
Area of a square = S × S
= 20cm × 20cm
= 400cm3
Area of a trapezium
Area of a trapezium CDEF

= 412.5cm
 Total Area of the shape = 400cm + 412.5cm = 𝟖𝟏𝟐. 𝟓𝐜𝐦

28. Chimwemwe is twice as old as Mphatso. If the sum of their ages is 36 years, find the age
of Chimwemwe.
Solution
Let the age of Mphatso be 𝑔
Chimwemwe’s age will be 2 × 𝑔 = 2𝑔 (twice Mphatso’s age)
The sum of their ages: 2𝑔 + 𝑔 = 36
3𝑔 = 36

𝑔 = 12
∴ Chimwemwe is 2 × 12 = 𝟐𝟒 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝
29. Using a ruler and a protractor, construct a rhombus PQRS in which SR = 5cm, angle PSR
= 50o and angle SRQ = 130o.

 REMINDER
A rhombus is a parallelogram that has all its four sides equal in length and
opposite angles are equal.

30. The table below shows the population of people in a certain village.

Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Number of people 460 600 700 920 1000

Using a scale of 2cm to represent 100 people on the vertical axis and 2cm to represent a
year on the horizontal axis, draw a line graph to represent the information.
2016 PAPER
1. Write 49 in Roman numerals
 XLIX

2. Simplify
 Solution

3. Name one quadrilateral which is not a parallelogram

 Trapezium

4. A trader bought beans worth K7 200 and sold them for K7 920. What profit percent did
the trader make?
Solution
Given: Cost Price = K7200 and Selling Price = K7920
Profit = SP – CP
Profit = K7920 – K7200
Profit = K720

Profit %

Profit %
Profit % = 𝟏𝟎%

5. Solve the equation 2𝑡 + 1 = 11 + 𝑡

Solution
2𝑡 + 1 = 11 + 𝑡
2𝑡 − 𝑡 = 11 − 1
𝒕 = 𝟏𝟎

Table 1 shows number of pencils distributed to learners in Standards 1, 2, 3 and 4 at

a certain school. Use it to answer questions 6 and 7. Table 1
Class Tallies
Standard 1
Standard 2
Standard 3
Standard 4

6. Which class received the greatest number of pencils?

  Standard 4

7. Find the difference between the number of pencils distributed in Standard 1 and
Standard 2.
Solution
Standard 1 received 12 pencils and Standard 2 received 16 pencils
∴ the difference will be 𝟏𝟔 − 𝟏𝟐 = 𝟒

8. Model 0.124 correctly on the abacus.

9. If 1cm represents 12km, what distance in km will 5.5cm represent?

Solution
If 1cm = 12km
5.5cm = more

66cm

10. A person celebrated his diamond jubilee ten years ago. How old is he now?
Solution
Diamond jubilee = 60 years
If he celebrated diamond jubilee 10 years ago then he is 60 + 10 = 70 years old now

11. A learner measured an angle and found that it was 125 o. What type of angle is it? 
Obtuse angle
12. Table 2 shows the official exchange rates of the Malawi Kwacha against some foreign
currencies in November 2015.
Table 2
Currency Buying Selling

US Dollar ($) 557 571

British Pound (£) 859 880

If a person exchanges $20 and £10, how much money in Malawi Kwacha did he get
altogether?
 Solution

£1 = 859
£10 = more

Total = K11,149 + K8,590 = 𝐊𝟏𝟗, 𝟕𝟑𝟎

Explanation:
When changing foreign currencies to Malawian Kwacha, we use the
buying rates not the selling. This is because the person having the foreign
currencies is selling the currencies while the bank or any money
exchanging institution is the one buying. What you see in the table above
is for the money exchanging institution e.g. the bank

13. A lady paid K2280 for 4 dresses which were marked K600 each. Find the total discount
that the lady was given.
Solution
Marked Price = K600 × 4
= K2400
Selling Price = K2280
Discount = MP − SP
= K2400 − K2280
= 𝐊𝟏𝟐𝟎
14. Complete the following number pattern 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, _____.
Solution
Rule: Add the first two numbers to get the third number.
0 + 1 = 1, 1 + 1 = 2, 2 + 1 = 3, 3 + 2 = 5, 5 + 3 = 8, 8 + 5 = 13 etc.
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13.

15. A person deposited two K1000 bank notes, one K500 bank note and forty K20 bank notes.
What was the total money deposited?
Solution
2 × K1000 = K2,000
1 × K500 = K 500
40 × K20 = K 800
Total = 𝐊𝟑, 𝟑𝟎𝟎
16. Yankho takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk a distance of 15km. Calculate Yankho’s
speed in metres per minute. Solution

Given; Time = 2 hours 30 minutes and Distance = 15km

(The answer will be in metres/minute)
Change 15km to metres
1km = 1000m
 Then 15km = more

Change 2hrs 30min to minutes only

1 hour = 60 minutes
2 hours = 120 minutes
Then 2hrs 30min = 120min + 30min = 150min

= 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐦/𝐦𝐢𝐧

17. Write the correct symbol that will make the inequality correct instead of the box
𝒙 − 𝟕 𝒃 𝒙 − 𝟑.
 Less than (<)

18. Calculate the total cost of the following items:

10 tomatoes at 2 for K50
3 books for K500
Solution
10 tomatoes
3 books at K500
Total cost = K250 + K500 = 𝐊𝟕𝟓𝟎
19. The sides of a triangular piece of cloth measure 9m, 20m and 15m. If it is to be decorated
with ribbons around its edges, find the total length of the ribbon required.
Solution
Total ribbon required = 9m + 20m + 15m
= 𝟒𝟒𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧
Table 3 shows property and its insurance premium paid per month. Use it to answer
question 20.
Table 3
Property Insurance premium
per month (K)
House K9 000

Bicycle K 750

Motor Vehicle K4 500

House furniture K3 750

20. If a person paid a total insurance premium of K45000 for an agreed period of 5 years for
ensuring on of the property in Table 3, which property was insured?
 Solution
Given; Total premium = K45000 and Period = 5 years
To find monthly premium, change the given period to months
1 year = 12 months
Then 5 years will be more

Divide total premium by total period in months

According to the list of property in the table, K750 is the monthly premium for a bicycle
21. (a) Simplify 11.7 + 2.64 + 0.312, write your answer to 2 significant figures. Solution

(b) Calculate the difference between the LCM and the HCF of 16, 20 and
40 Solution
16 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2
20 = 2 × 2 × 5
40 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 5
LCM = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 5 = 80
HCF = 2 × 2 = 4
∴ The difference = 80 − 4 = 𝟕𝟔

22. (a) The following were prices for the same type of handbag in different shops:
K3700, K3850, K3900, K3950 and K4000. Calculate the mean price of the handbag.
Solution

Average

Average

Average = 𝐊𝟑, 𝟖𝟖𝟎

(b) Table 4 shows rates of value added tax (VAT) on items. Table 4
Item Cost per item VAT

Sugar K500 0% (free)

Bicycle K40000 20%

 If a person bought 15 packets of sugar and one bicycle, calculate the amount of money
that was paid.
Solution
The cost of sugar = K500 per packet
VAT = 0% (free)
Total cost of 15 packets of sugar = 15 × K500 = K7500
The cost of bicycle = K40000
VAT = 20%

VAT
Total cost of the bicycle = K40,000 + K8,000 = K48,000
Total amount of money paid = K7,500 + K48,000 = 𝐊𝟓𝟓, 𝟓𝟎𝟎

23. Figure 1 shows time on clock faces when Tadala and Mwayi arrived at school on a certain
day.

How many minutes did Tadala arrive at the school earlier than Mwayi?
Solution
Tadala’s time of arrival is 7:05 while Mwayi’s time of arrival is 7:45

This means that Tadala arrived 40 minutes earlier than Mwayi

24. Dula has 𝑦 mangoes, Chako has 10 less mangoes than Dula and Wanga has 15 more
mangoes than Dula. How many mangoes have they altogether?
Solution
If Dula has 𝒚 mangoes, then Chako has 𝒚 − 𝟏𝟎 mangoes while Wanga 𝒚 + 𝟏𝟓 mangoes
The total number of mangoes will be Dula’s + Chako’s + Wanga’s mangoes
This is 𝑦 + 𝑦 − 10 + 𝑦 + 15 = 𝑦 + 𝑦 + 𝑦 + 15 − 10
Total mangoes = 𝟑𝒚 + 𝟓
4
25. A container is full of water. If 60 litres are needed to fill it up, calculate the number of
7
litres that the container holds when it is full.
 Solution
7 4
The full capacity of the container is but now it is which means that of
7 7

water is needed to make it full.

If
Then

This will be

Explanation:
(7 of 7 is the same as 1. 1 multiply by any number the answer is the other
number being multiplied. So we have just divided 3 of 7 by 60 litres which
has given us 140 litres.)

26. Figure 2 shows a wooden door KLMN with a semi-circular glass ABC on it. KL = 90cm, LM =
250cm and AOC = 56cm.

Calculate the area of the wooden part of the door in square metres.
Solution
Area of a rectangle KLMN = Length × Width
= 250cm × 90cm
= 22 500cm2
Area of a semi-circle ABC

= 11 × 4cm × 28cm
= 1,232cm2

Area of the wooden part = 22,500cm2 − 1,232cm2

= 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟔𝟖𝐜𝐦𝟐
27. A school with 1200 learners had enough ‘Likuni Phala’ flour for 30 days. If after 5 days, 50
more learners joined the school, how many days would the remaining flour take?
Solution
After 5 days; 1200 learners would take 30days – 5days = 25days
If 1200 learners would take 25days
Then 1250 learners would take less days

(Do the cancellations here)

= 𝟐𝟒 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬

28. (a) Using a protractor and a ruler, construct a rectangle DEFG in which DE = 7cm and EF
= 4cm.

 REMINDER
A rectangle has 900 angles (right angles) and opposite sides equal.
After constructing line DE measure a 900 angle on D and another
one on E. Measure 4cm from point E to F as well as from D to G.
Connect point G and F

(b) In the diagram, measure DF and write down its length.

 DF = 8cm (If you have constructed it accurately)

29. Mrs Sanito had K10 000 balance in bank on 1 April 2015. During the month, she made
the following transactions:
• 2 April sold eggs for K8000 cash
• 10 April withdrew K5000 from bank
• 21 April banked K4500

Prepare a cash book for her and balance it.

 Solution

30. Table 5 is a picture graph showing the number of dogs killed in certain city to control
rabies.
Table 5
Day Number of dogs killed

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Key: represents five dogs

If there were 250 dogs in the city, calculate the percentage of dogs that were killed.
Solution
Total number of dogs killed = 29 × 5 = 145 dogs

The percentage of dogs killed

2017 PAPER
1. Add 84.04, 22, 0.55 and 8
 Solution

2. Express 45% as a ratio in its simplest form. Solution

45
45% is the same as
100
This can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the common
factor which is 5 and that will give us
∴ 45% as a ratio = 𝟗: 𝟐𝟎

3. How many fortnights are there in 56 days?

Solution
1 fortnight = 14 days
56 days will be more fortnights

4. Choose the greatest mass from the following masses; 75 milligrams, 75 decigrams, 75
hectograms and 75 decagrams.  75 hectograms

5. Change to an improper fraction.

Solution
Multiply the denominator by the whole number and add the result to the numerator

and maintain the denominator as follows:

6. Draw a half turn angle

7. Write the prime numbers that are found between 30 and 45.
Prime numbers between 30 and 45 are 31, 37, 41 and 43.

o Definition
Prime number is a number that can be divided by 1 and itself only. For
instance there is no whole number that can go into 2 without a
remainder except 1 and 2. The same with 3 and 5. This means that 2, 3
and 5 are some of the examples of prime numbers.
 8. Mary is 9 years old and John is n years old. If the sum of their ages is 33, how old is
John?
Solution
Given: Mary’s age = 9 years, and John’s age = 𝑛 years
Sum of their ages = 9 + 𝑛 = 33
9 − 9 + 𝑛 = 33 − 9
𝑛 = 24 years
∴ John is 𝟐𝟒 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 old.
9. The product of two numbers is 288. One of the numbers is the difference between 11
and 2. Find the other number.
Solution
If the product of two numbers is 288 and one number is the difference between 11 and
2 which is 11 – 2 = 9 Let the
other number be 𝒉 ℎ × 9
= 288

Divide both sides by 9 like this

𝒉 = 𝟑𝟐

Table 1 shows body temperatures for five patients. Use it to answer Questions 10 and
11.
Table 1
Patient Body Temperature (oC)

P 39.2

Q 38.4

R 37.6

S 36.5

T 38.0

10. Which patient had the highest body temperature?

 Patient P

11. A patient is tested for malaria if the body temperature is greater than 38 oC. How many
patients were tested for malaria?
 2 patients (Patient P and Patient Q)
12. The following are heights of five buildings in a certain city: 18m, 17m, 12m, 18m and
16m.
What is the median height of the buildings?
Solution
Arrange the numbers in order as follows: 12m, 16m, 17m, 18m, 18m
The median is 17m

o Definition
Median is a middle value of a given data arranged in size order.

13. Complete the following pattern ______

______
Solution
Completed pattern

14. A girl gave to her brother. What is the value of the remaining dollars in
Malawi Kwacha? ($𝟏 = 𝐌𝐊𝟕𝟎𝟎)
Solution

If $1 = K700
Then $150 = more

15. A cell phone was marked K8000. If a discount of K450 was given, find the selling price.
Solution
Given: MP = K8000 and Discount = K450
Selling Price = MP − Discount
SP = K8,000 − K450
SP = 𝐊𝟕, 𝟓𝟓𝟎

16. Present the number 18 in tally form.

Table 2 shows postal charges for sending newspapers within Malawi. Use it to answer
Questions 17 and 18.
 Table 2
Item Mass of item Postal charge

Newspaper up to 20g K360

above 20g up to 100g K820

above 100g up to 250g K1180

above 250g up to 500g K1560

above 500g up to 1000g K2600

above 1000g up to 2000g K3840

17. How much would a person pay to send a newspaper weighing 21g?
 K820
18. What would be the total postal charge for newspapers of mass 240g and 999g?
Solution
240g = K1180 and 999g = K2,600
K1180 + K2600 = K3,780
19. Find the simple interest to be paid on a loan of K24000 for 3 years at 10% per annum.
Solution

20. Figure 1 shows a circle with centre C. M and N are points on the circumference of the
circle.

What name is given to the straight line MCN?

 Diameter

21. (a) Solve the equation 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 7 = 1

Solution
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 7 = 1
2𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 = 1 + 7
𝒙=𝟖
 (b) A family has 3 meals in a day. During each meal, 250ml of milk is used. How many
days will the family take to use 3000ml of milk?
Solution
If a family has 3 meals in a day and 250ml of milk is used
In 1 day the family uses 3 × 250ml = 750ml of milk

This means that 3000ml of milk will be used in

22. (a) Simplify

Solution

(b) A circular ground has a diameter of 28.7m. Calculate the length of wire that could be

used to fence the ground.

Solution
Circumference = 𝜋𝑑

Circumference

Circumference
Circumference = 𝟗𝟎. 𝟐𝐦
23. (a) Form an inequality from the following statement and solve it. 5 subtracted from x is
greater than 18.

Solution
𝑥 − 5 > 18
𝑥 − 5 + 5 > 18 + 5
𝒙 > 𝟐𝟑

(b) The commission charged for sending money by fast cash money transfer is 10%/ If
Titani sent K20500 to his mother by fast cash money transfer, calculate:

(i) Commission paid

Solution
Money sent = K20500, rate = 10%
 (ii) Total money that Titani paid the post office
Solution
Total money paid = K20500 + K2050
= 𝐊𝟐𝟐, 𝟓𝟓𝟎
24. Mphatso bought 5 metres of cloth at K750 per metre, 18 bananas at 3 for K100 and
rice at K480 per k. Prepare a bill for Mphatso.
Solution
5 metres of cloth @ K750 per metre = 5 × K750 = K3,750

18 bananas @ 3 for K100

Total bill = K3750 + K600 + K1680 = 𝐊𝟔, 𝟎𝟑𝟎

25. A minibus left Blantyre at 11:30am and reached Dedza at 3:00pm on the same day. If it
was travelling at an average speed of 60km/h, calculate the distance covered.
Solution
Given: Time 11:30hrs – 15:00hrs

15:00hrs – 11:30hrs = 3hrs 30 minutes

Speed 60km/h
Distance = Time × Speed

Distance
Distance
Distance = 𝟐𝟏𝟎𝐤𝐦
26. Figure 2 is a rectangle ABCD with triangle CDE inside it.

If AB = 42cm and BC = 16cm, calculate the area of the shaded part.

Solution
Area of a rectangle = Length × Width
Area of a rectangle= 42cm × 16cm
 = 672cm2

Area of a triangle

Area of a triangle
Area of a triangle = 21cm × 16cm = 𝟑𝟑𝟔𝐜𝐦𝟐

Area of the shaded part= 672cm2 − 336cm2 = 𝟑𝟑𝟔𝐜𝐦𝟐

27. (a) The value of a sofa set went down by 12% to K132000 after one year. Find the original
value of the sofa set.
Solution
The drop of the sofa set is 100% − 12% = 88%
If 88% = K132000
Then 100% = more

The original price = K150,000

(b) Figure 3 shows a drawing of a garden in the form of a trapezium WXYZ in which WX
= 50m, WZ = 40m, YZ = 70m, angle WZY = 600 and angle XWZ = 1200.

(i) Using a scale of 1cm to represent 10m, draw the figure accurately.
Solution
Use the scale to reduce the measurements of the figure as follows:

and
Use the new measurements to draw the new figure as shown below

Explanation
Draw line ZY = 7cm and measure angle YZW = 60o at point Z.
Measure WZ = 4cm then make angle XWZ = 120o at point W.
Measure line WX = 5cm and last join points X and Y.
 (ii) Measure and state length of XY.
 If well drawn you must find XY = 3.5cm

28. Table 3 shows an average rainfall recorded at a weather station for four weeks.
Table 3
Week Rainfall (mm)

1 35

2 47

3 18

4 20

Using a scale of 2cm to represent 10mm on the vertical axis, draw a bar graph to
represent the information.
 29. A person paid K420000 as a custom duty for goods bought. If the rate of the custom duty
was , find the value of the goods.
Solution
The value of goods in percentage = 100%
If
Then 100% = more

30. Table 4 shows the results of a Science test for 60 learners.

Table 4
Marks Percentage of learners

From 60 and above 10%

 From 50 to 59 20%

From 40 to 49 40%

From 20 to 39 20%

From 19 and below 10%

(a) Find the number of learners who had marks from 40 to 49.

Solution
The percentage of learners who got 40 to 49 marks = 40%
Total number of learners = 60. So we need to find 40% of 60 learners

(b) Find the total number of learners who had marks greater than 49.
Solution
Learners who got more than 40 marks

2018 PAPER
1. What is 999 500 tambala in Kwacha and tambala?
Solution
999 500t to Kwacha
100t = K1
999 500t = more

2. What is sixty eight million two hundred and one thousand and one in figures?
 68,201,001

3. What is 2472 to the nearest thousand?

2472 to the nearest thousand 2000
4. Write the correct inequality for the following Mathematical statement: the sum of 𝑦
and 5 is less than or equal to 11.
 𝒚 + 𝟓 ≤ 𝟏𝟏

5. A diagram of a plant 8cm long was drawn using a scale of 1cm representing 2cm. what
was the length of the plant?
Solution
Given Size of drawing is 8cm, Scale is 1:2
 The length of the plant will be

6. What is DXLIX in Hindu Arabic numeral?

D = 500, XL = 40 and IX = 9
Then DXLIX = 549

7. Decrease 80 by 20%.
Solution

OR 100% − 20% = 80% (find 80% of 80)

80 − 16 = 𝟔𝟒
8. What is the value of 𝑦 in the equation 4𝑦 − 8 = 20?
Solution
K 4𝑦 − 8 = 20
K 4𝑦 − 8 + 8 = 20 + 8
K 4𝑦 = 28
Divide both sides by 4 you will get 𝒚 = 𝟕

9. Figure 1 shows a trapezium ABCD.

Which two sides are parallel to each other? 

AB and DC are parallel
10. Bina and Chiko shared pens in the ratio 2:3 respectively. If Chiko got 18 pens, what is
the total number of pens?
Solution
Given: Ratio 2:3
Total ratio is 2+3=5

If Chiko got 18 pens, and this represents of the total pens shared

If

This will be
11. The total mass 0f a tin with water in it is 35.72g. If the mass of the water only is 28.36g,
what is the mass of the tin?
 Solution
35.72g – 28.36g

12. What is a period of 5 years called?

 Instrum

13. A pair of trousers marked at K6500 was sold at K5850. What was the discount
percentage? Solution

Discount %

Table 1 shows marks and number of learners represented in a tally form.

Table 1
Mark (%) Tally
10
20
30
40

Use the table to answer questions 14 and 15.

14. What was the modal mark?

 Modal mark is 40
15. What was the median mark?
 Median is 20
16. A company paid K400 000 as customs duty for a machine worth K1 600 000. At what rate
was the custom duty charged?
Solution
Custom duty = K400000 and the price of the machine = K1600000

Rate
17. Chikondi bought 3 postal orders for K210. What was the cost of one postal order?
Solution
3 postal orders = K210.00
 1 postal order = less

18. The perimeter of a rectangular garden is 62m. If the length of the rectangle is 17m, what
is its width?
Solution
Given: Perimeter = 62m, Length = 17m
Perimeter = 2(L + W)
62m = 2(17m + W)
62m = 34m + 2W
62m − 34m = 2W
28m = 2W
28m 2W
Divide both sides by 2
∴Width = 14m
Enile made the following transactions in March 2018.
March 1 Balance in bank K10 000
March 2 Banked K5000
March 18 Withdrawal K3000
March 29 Received cheque K4000

Use this information to answer questions 19 and 20.

19. If bank account for Enile’s transactions was to be prepared, which transactions would
be entered under expenditure?
 Withdrawal K3,000
20. How much money at the bank would Enile had as at 31 March, 2018?
Solution
[Balance in bank (K10000) + Banked (K5000) + Received cheque (K4000) −
Withdrawal (K3000)]
K19,000 − K3,000 = 𝐊𝟏𝟔, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

21. (a) Convert 2 days 5 hours 10 minutes to minutes.

Solution
2 days 5 hours 10 minutes to minutes
If 1 day = 24 hours
2 days = 48 hours
48 hours + 5 hours = 53 hours
If 1 hour = 60 minutes
Then 53 hours = more

(b) Simplify 1.1 × 0.02 ÷ (3.65 + 1.35).

Solution
1.1 × 0.02 ÷ (3.65 + 1.35)
Use BODMAS
3.65 + 1.35 = 5
0.02 ÷ 5 = 0.004
 0.004 × 1.1 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟒𝟒

22. (a) A child had 2𝑎 + 𝑏 guavas. If she received 10 + 𝑎 other guavas, find the total
number of guavas she had. Solution
2𝑎 + 𝑏 guavas
She received 10 + 𝑎 guavas
Total (2𝑎 + 𝑏) + (10 + 𝑎) guavas
2𝑎 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 10
𝟑𝒂 + 𝒃 + 𝟏𝟎 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐬

(b) A doctor recorded temperatures of a patient at different intervals as follows:

36.00C, 36.20C, 37.70C and 38.10C. Calculate the mean temperature of the patient.
Solution

Mean (Average)

Mean
23. (a) In a number pattern, the first number is 540, the second is 180, and the third is 60.
Calculate the fourth number.
Solution
Number pattern: 540, 180, 60, ……
Rule: Divide the previous number by 3 to get the next number

The forth number will be

(b) A tank measuring 5m long, 4m wide and 3m deep is half full of water. Calculate the
volume of water in the tank.
Solution
Volume = Length × Width × Height
Volume of water in the tank which is half full will be
Volume
Volume = 𝟑𝟎𝐦𝟑

24. (a) There are 180, 126 and 162 learners is standards 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Find the
largest number of leaners that can be put in a group for each class to have the same
group sizes.
Solution
180 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5
126 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 7
162 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3
HCF = 2 × 3 × 3
= 𝟏𝟖 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
Figure 2 is a
composite shape
made up of a
semicircle ABC and a
right angled triangle
 ACD. AC = 28cm, CD
= 21cm and angle
ACD = 900.

(b) Calculate the total area of the shape. .

Solution
Area of triangle ACD

= 294cm2

Area of semi-circle ABC

= 11 × 7cm × 14cm
= 308cm2
Total area = 294cm2 + 308cm2 = 𝟔𝟎𝟐𝐜𝐦𝟐

25. (a) A person bought 20 units of fruits for K2000 and sold them at a profit of K50 each.
Calculate the selling price of each fruit.
Solution
20 units =K2000 (CP)
Profit = K50 × 20
= K1000
SP = CP + Profit
SP = K2000 + K1000
SP = K3000
Selling Price of each fruit = Selling Price ÷ Total number of fruits

∴ The Selling Price for each fruit = 𝐊𝟏𝟓

(b) Table 2 shows Mama’s budget for the month of February 2018.
Table 2
Item Quantity Cost for one item Amount (K)
(K)
 Sugar 5 packets 850.00 4250.00

Cooking oil 3 bottles 1200.00

Soap 2 units 1600.00

(i) Complete the table

The completed table
Item Quantity Cost for 1 item (K) Amount (K)

Sugar 5 packets 850.00 4250.00

Cooking oil 3 bottles 1200.00 3600.00

Soap 2 units 800.00 1600.00

(ii) Find the total cost for Mama’s budget.

Solution
Total cost for Mama’s budget
K4250.00 + K3600.00 + K1600.00
= 𝐊𝟗, 𝟒𝟓𝟎. 𝟎𝟎

26. A lady spends 2 of her salary on food, 1 on house rent and the remaining K26 000 on
5 6
clothes. Calculate her monthly salary.
Solution
Money spent for food and house rent

Total salary (by fraction)

The remaining money
This means that

Then

Total Salary = 𝐊𝟔𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎

27. Figure 3 shows part PXY of an equilateral triangle PXZ in which PY is a line of symmetry.
 Using a ruler and a protractor complete the shape to form triangle PXZ.
Solution
Measure XY and PX using a ruler
Draw XZ and PZ
XY = XZ and PZ = PX
Triangle PXZ will look like this

28. Table 3 shows masses of rice and their costs.

Table 3
Mass in (kg) 1 2 3 4

Cost in (K) 450 900 1350 1800

(a) Using a scale of 2cm to represent 1kg on horizontal axis and 2cm to represent K450
on the vertical axis, draw a line graph.
 (b) Using the graph, find the:
(i) Cost of of rice
 The cost of

(ii) Mass of rice if the cost is K1575

 The mass of rice if the cost is K1575 will be

29. Table 4 shows departure and arrival times of a bus for bus depots A, B and C. Table 4
Bus Depot Departure/Arrival Time

A Departure 6:00am
 B Arrival 7:30am

B Departure 7:50am

C Arrival 8:50am

If the bus travels at an average speed of 80km/h, calculate the distance between depot
A and depot C.
Solution
Time taken to reach depot C without resting at depot B is 6:00am to 8:30am

Speed = 80km/hr
Distance = Speed × Time

Distance
Distance = 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝐤𝐦

30. Figure 4 shows a woodlot in a form of a parallelogram in which AB = 100m, AD = 50m,

angle ADC = 600 and angle DAB = 1200.

Using a protractor, a ruler and a scale of 1cm to represent 10m, draw the shape.
Solution
1cm
Using the scale reduce the measurements of DA and AB as follows:

DA
DA = 5cm

AB
AB = 10cm

Draw the shape using the new measurements as follows

 Explanation
Draw line DC = 10cm and make angle CDA = 60o at point D and line AD =
5cm. Make angle DAB = 120o and line AB = 10cm and lastly join points B and
C.

2019 PAPER
1. Express 245 to the nearest ten.
 250

2. Add the following decimal numbers: 11.02, 2.8 and 0.435.

Solution
11.02 + 2.8 + 0.435

3. Express 4/5 as a percentage.

Solution

𝟖𝟎%

2
4. Write fractions which are equivalent to 5
 5. What does the Roman numeral DCIX represents in Hindu-Arabic numerals?
 609

6. Simplify 4y + 7p − y − 6p
Solution
4𝑦 + 7𝑝 − 𝑦 − 6𝑝
Like terms together 4𝑦 − 𝑦 + 7𝑝 − 6𝑝
𝟑𝒚 + 𝒑

7. What is the mean of the following numbers: 10, 28 and 13? Solution
10+28+13
Mean

Mean
Mean = 𝟏𝟕

8. Which inequality symbol should be written in the box for the inequality 𝑥−6
𝑥 − 10 to be correct?
 Greater than (>)
9. A chief will celebrate his silver jubilee in the next 5 years. How old is the chief?
Solution
Silver jubilee = 25 years
If the chief will be 25 years in the next 5 years then he/she is 25 – 5 = 20 years old
10. A shopkeeper sold 2 bales of sugar for K34000. If each bale was bought at K15000, what
was the profit made?
Solution
Cost Price = 2 × K15,000 = K30,000
Selling Price = K34,000
Profit = K34,000 − K30,000
Profit = 𝐊𝟒, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

11. Figure 1 shows a rectangle ACEG with lines AE, BF, CG and DH.

Which lines represents lines of symmetry?

 BF and DH
A rectangle has two lines of symmetry.
12. Find the amount of money to be paid on a loan of K18000 for 36 months at 5% per
annum for simple interest.
Solution

Interest
K18000×3×5
Interest
Interest = K2,700
Amount = Principle + Interest
Amount = K18000 + K2700 = 𝐊𝟐𝟎, 𝟕𝟎𝟎

13. A radio was sold for K4000 at a discount of 20%. What was the cash discount?
Solution
If the discount was 20%, it means that the Selling Price of the radio was 80% If
80% = K4000
Then 100% = more

Marked Price = K5000

∴ Cash discount = K5000 − K4000 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟎𝟎𝟎

Table 1 shows temperature readings for four stations. Use it to answer questions 14
and 15
Table 1
Station Temperature (oC)

P 35

S 13

K 21

M 19

14. Which station was the coldest?

 Station S

15. What is the average temperature for the stations? Solution

Average

Average
16. A vegetable garden is 57m long and 36m wide. What is the length of the
wire required to fence the garden?
Solution
Perimeter = 2(L + W)
 = 2(57m + 36m)
= 2 × 93m
= 𝟏𝟖𝟔𝐦

17. Table 2
shows a
message
sent by
telegra
m. Table
2
To: John Phiri Box 38 Kasungu send money for school uniform

From: Grace Phiri

What is the cost of sending the message at K20 per word?

Solution
Total number of words = 14
Total cost = 14 × K20
= 𝐊𝟐𝟖𝟎. 𝟎𝟎

18. A boy and a girl shared 120 tablets of soap in the ratio 3:2 respectively. What was the
boy’s share?
Solution
Number of soap = 120 tablets
Ratio = 3:2
Total ratio = 3 + 2=5

The boy’s share will be

= 𝟕𝟐 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐩

19. A cow had a mas of 210kg 150g and a bull had a mass of 232kg 301g. What was the
difference in mass between the two cattle?
Solution

20. A worker’s salary is K14200 per month. If he receives K12700 per month after deducting
income tax, what is his income tax per year?
 Solution
Income tax per month
K14200 − K12700 = K1500
Income tax per year will be 12 × K1500
𝐊𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎𝟎

21. (a) Multiply the difference between 701.2 and 681 by 2.3, giving your answer to 1
decimal place.
Solution
(701.2 − 681) × 2.3

20.2 × 2.3 = 46.46 𝑡𝑜 1 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝟒𝟔. 𝟓

(b) A bicycle tyre has a diameter of 34.3cm. Calculate the circumference of the tyre.

( .
Solution
Circumference = 𝜋𝑑

= 22 × 4.9cm
= 𝟏𝟎𝟕. 𝟖𝐜𝐦

22. Simplify .
Solution

𝟑𝟎

23. (a) The first three numbers in a number pattern are; 55, 70 and 85. Find the fourth
number.
Solution
Number pattern: 55, 70, 85,…..
Rule: Add 15 to the previous number to get the next number
 ∴ The fourth number will be 85 + 15 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎

(b) A machine uses 550ml of petrol in a minute. If the machine worked for hours,
calculate the number of litres used.
Solution
Amount of petrol used per minute = 550ml

Time taken

Change hours to minutes as follows

If 1000ml = 1 litre
Then 49500ml = ?more

= 𝟒𝟗. 𝟓 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬

24. (a) Aleka had K5000 and bought 30 exercise books at K750 per unit and 5 pens at K120
per pen. Calculate the amount of money left.
Solution
Total money she had: K5000

30 exercise books @ K750 per unit

5 pen @ K120 per pen = 5 × K120 = K 600
Total money spent = K2,850
Change = K5000 − K2850 = 𝐊𝟐, 𝟏𝟓𝟎

(b) Tinyade received R1275 from South Africa. If R1 = K50, calculate the amount of
money that Tinyade received in Malawi Kwacha. Solution
If R1 = K50
R1275 = ?more

= 𝐊𝟔𝟑, 𝟕𝟓𝟎

25. Table 3 shows number of tomatoes sold by two vendors at a certain market.

Table 3
Name of vendor Number of tomatoes sold

Prince

Princess
 If represents 60 tomatoes, calculate the difference between the number of
tomatoes sold by Prince and those sold by Princess.
Solution
Prince’s tomatoes = 6 × 60 = 360 tomatoes
Princess’ tomatoes = 4 × 60 = 240 tomatoes
Their difference = 360 − 240 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬
26. (a) Bengo had 4𝑥 Kwacha. He gave 𝑥 Kwacha to his friend. If he remained with K21000,
calculate the amount of money that Bengo gave to his friend. Solution
4𝑥 − 𝑥 = K21000
3𝑥 K21000

𝑥 = K7000
Bengo gave K7000 to his friend

(b) Figure 2 shows a sketch of a rectangular woodlot ABCD.

If AB = 100m and BC = 50m, using a scale of 1cm to represent 25m, draw a plan of the
woodlot. Solution
1
Reduce the measurements by
25

Draw the plan of the woodlot accurately using a pencil, ruler and a protractor with the
new measurements 4cm by 2cm as follows:

27. (a) The average mass of 13 bags of maize is 52.2kg. if 3 bags are sold, the average mass
of the remaining bags is 52.7kg. Calculate the total mass of the three bags. Solution
Total mass of 13 bags of maize 13 × 52.2kg = 678.6kg
 Total mass of 10 bags of maize 10 × 52.7kg = 527.0kg
The mass of 3 bags = 678.6kg − 527.0kg = 𝟏𝟓𝟏. 𝟔𝐤𝐠

(b) Using a ruler and a protractor, construct an equilateral triangle RST with a side 4cm.

 REMINDER
An equilateral triangle has all its sides and angles equal

28. Figure 3shows a composite shape made up of a square ABCD and a trapezium CEFG.

If AB = 8cm, BCE = 15cm, EF= 6cm and DG = 4cm, calculate the area of the composite
shape.
Solution
Area of a square = Side × Side
= 8cm × 8cm
= 64cm2

Area of a trapezium

= 35cm2
Total area of the shape = 64cm2 + 35cm2 = 𝟗𝟗𝐜𝐦𝟐
29. Nameye collected the following number of eggs from her farm; 380, 600, 400, 490, 400,
380, 490, 520. Calculate the median number of eggs collected.
 Solution
First arrange the numbers is either ascending or descending order as follows 380,
380, 400, 400, 490, 490, 520, 600
The middle numbers are 400 and 490

Median

o Definition
Median is the middle number in a data.

30. Mayamiko’s business had the following transaction in April 2019:

1 April balance in hand K2000
18 April bought basins K3000 25
April sold cups K1900
Prepare cash account for Mayamiko’s business and balance it as at 30th April 2019.
Solution

2020 PAPER
1. Express 20.0054 to 4 significant figures.
 20.0054 becomes 20.01 to 4 s.f

2. Nine million, ninety nine thousand and one in figures is

 9,099,001

3. Simplify 4𝑦 − 12𝑦 + 17𝑦 − 6𝑦

Solution
4𝑦 − 12𝑦 + 17𝑦 − 6𝑦
17𝑦 + 44 − 12𝑦 − 6𝑦
21𝑦 − 18𝑦
𝟑𝒚
4. What is the 4th number in the following number pattern: 36, 39, 42…..?
Solution
Number pattern: 36, 39, 42,….
Rule: Add 3 to the previous number to get the next number.
The 4th number is 42 + 3 = 45

5. What is the prime factor of 64?

 Prime factor of 64 is 2

6. What value of angle represents a reflex angle?

 An example of a reflex angle is a 275o angle

7. Subtract 417g from 0.699kg

Solution
You should change either grams to kilograms or kilograms to grams

0.699kg to grams
699g − 417g = 𝟐𝟖𝟐𝐠

8. What term is given when a selling price is less than a cost price?
 Loss

9. A person had one K1000 bank note, two K500 bank notes and ten K50 bank notes. Find
the total money that the person had. 1 × K1000 = K1,000.00
2 × K500 = K1,000.00
10 × K50 = K 500.00
Total = 𝐊𝟐, 𝟓𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎

10. Table 1 shows property and premium paid per month for the property in a certain
year. Table 1
Property Premium per month (K)

House 9000

Car 4000

If Ziwako insured two cars and one house for one month only, how much did he pay all
together?
Solution
Premium for 2 cars = 2 × K4,000 = K8,000.00
Premium for 1 house = 1 × K9,000 = K9,000.00
Total premium = 𝐊𝟏𝟕, 𝟎𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎
11. A bottle has a volume of 35000cm3. What is the capacity of the bottle in litres?
Solution
Given: 35000cm3
If 1000cm3 = 1 litre
35000cm3 = ?more

12. A vehicle covered a distance of 60 kilometres in 30 minutes. What was its speed in km/hr?
Solution

Speed

= 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝐤𝐦/𝐡𝐫

13. Figure 1 shows time on an analogue clock face.

What time is the clock showing?

 Twenty minutes past four

14. Which quadrilateral has its sides and all its angles equal?
 Square

15. A sales lady ought 280 guavas. If she sold them at K6 each and made a total loss of K125,
how much did she buy the 280 guavas?
Solution
Selling Price = 280 × K6 = K1680
Loss = K125
Cost Price = SP + Loss
= K1680 + 125 = 𝐊𝟏, 𝟖𝟎𝟓

16. A salesman receives a commission of K70 on every K1000 sales. How much commission
does he receive for K35000 sales?
 Solution
If K1000 = K70 commission
Then K35000 = ?more

17. Body temperatures of patients at a certain hospital were: 36.5oC, 37oC, 37.8oC, 38oC,
38.5oC, 38.9oC, 39oC. If a patient is treated for malaria when the body temperature is
greater than 38oC, how many patients were treated for malaria?
 3 patients

18. Table 2 shows column headings for one of the types of simple accounts.
Table 2 Dr
Cr
Date Income Cash Bank Date Expenditure Cash Bank
(K) (K) (K) (K)

Which type of simple accounts has the details as shown in Table 2?

 Cash book

Figure 2 is a picture graph showing learners who play different games at a certain
school. Use it to answer Questions 19 and 20

19. How many learners play volleyball?

Solution
7 × 4 = 𝟐𝟖 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

20. Find the difference between the number of learners who play football and those who play
netball.
Solution
Learners who play football are 11 × 4 = 44
Learners who play netball are 5 × 4 = 20
 The difference = 44 − 20 = 𝟐𝟒 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

21. (a) Simplify 0.24 − 0.04 × 0.35 + 0.14 and give the answer to three decimal places.
Solution
0.24 − (0.04 × 0.35) + 0.14

0.24 − 0.014 + 0.14

0.24 + 0.14 − 0.014 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔𝟔
(b) Solve the following inequality 3𝑚 + 8 ≥ 57 − 4𝑚 Solution
3𝑚 + 8 ≥ 57 − 4𝑚
3𝑚 + 4𝑚 ≥ 57 − 8
7𝑚 ≥ 49 (Divide both sides by 7)

𝒎≥𝟕

22. (a) The circumference of a circle is 88cm. Calculate its radius.

Solution
Circumference = 𝜋𝑑

Divide both sides by

𝑑 = 4cm × 7
𝑑 = 28cm

Radius

Radius

(b) Subtract the LCM of 50 and 75 from 286

Solution
50 = 2 × 5 × 5
75 = 3 × 5 × 5
LCM = 2 × 3 × 5 × 5
= 150
286 − 150 = 𝟏𝟑𝟔
23. A parent bought 90 sweets for her three children: Chiku, Maya and Tada. For every 2
sweets she gave to Chiku, she gave 3 to Maya and 5 to Tada. Calculate the difference
between the number of sweets that Tada and Chiku received.
Solution
Number of sweets shared is 90
Ratio = 2:3:5
Total ratio = 2 + 3 +5 = 10

Tada’s share
= 45 sweets

Chiku’s share
= 18 sweets
The difference is 45 − 18 = 𝟐𝟕 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

24. Figure 3 shows a sketch of a triangular garden PQR in which RQ = 600m, angle PRQ = 90o
and angle PQR = 50o.

(a) Using a protractor, a ruler and a scale of 1cm to represent 100m, draw the figure
accurately. Solution
1cm
Reduce line RQ by as follows
100m

Draw the triangle PQR using a protractor and a ruler with RQ = 6cm, angle PQR =
50o and angle PRQ = 90o as follows
 (b) Find the actual length of PQ.

PQ = 9.2cm (increase it by
PQ

25. (a) Malijesi had K24000 for shopping. When he bought 12kg of meat, he was left with
K9600. Find the cost of the meat per kg.
Solution
Cost of meat = K24000 − K9600 = K14400

Cost of meat per kg

= 𝐊𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟎/𝐤𝐠

(b) Given that the average of 6, 10, 8 and 𝑦 is 9, find the value of 𝑦
Solution
Average

24 + 𝑦 = 9 × 4
𝑦 = 36 − 24
𝒚 = 𝟏𝟐

26. Figure 4 shows a circular top of a table ABC, centre O, covered with a square cloth PQRS
on it.

If the radius, OA of the top of the table is 70cm and the side of a square is 50cm,

calculate the area of the uncovered part of the top of the table. .
Solution
Area of a circle = 𝜋𝑟2

10

= 15400cm2
Area of a square = Side × Side
 = 50cm × 50cm
= 2500cm2
Area of the uncovered part = 15400cm2 − 2500cm2 = 𝟏𝟐, 𝟗𝟎𝟎𝐜𝐦𝟐

27. Table 3 shows rates of tax on salaries per month for a certain year.
Table 3
Salary per month Rate of tax

First K900 0% (tax free)

Next K3000 15%

Over K12000 30%

Use the information in Table 3 to calculate the monthly tax a worker pays on a monthly
salary of K18500
Solution
Salary Rate Tax
First K900 0% (tax free) K0
Next K3000 15%

K450
Over K14600 30%
K4380

Total monthly tax K450 + K4380 = 𝐊𝟒, 𝟖𝟑𝟎

Explanation
From the total amount given (K18500) take out K900 which will be
charged 0% tax, then take K3000 from the remainder and calculate its
15% tax. The final remainder should be charged 30% tax. Add the total
taxes you found to get the monthly tax.

28. A lesson starts at 7:30am but a teacher was late by 12 minutes. If the lesson ended at
8:10am, calculate the number of minutes that the lesson took.
Solution
The lesson started 12 minutes after 7:30am = 7: 30 + 12 = 7: 42am
If it ended at 8:10am, then the lesson took 8: 10am − 7: 42am = 𝟐𝟖 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬

29. Calculate the compound interest on K28000 for 2 years at 10% per annum.
 Solution
Compound interest

Interest

Interest for year 1

= K2800
Principle for year 2 will be K28000 + K2800 = K30800

Interest for year 2

= K3080
Compound interest = K2800 + K3080 = 𝐊𝟓, 𝟖𝟖𝟎

30. Table 4 shows time taken and distance covered by a girl in a running competition.

Table 4
Time (min) 0 5 10 15 20

Distance (km) 0 3 6 9 12

(a) Use the information in Table 4 and a scale of 2cm to represent 2 kilometres on
vertical axis and 2cm to represent 5 minutes on horizontal axis, draw a line graph.
(b) Use the graph to find the time taken by the girl to cover the distance of 8km.
 Time taken to cover 8km is 13 minutes

THE END