6 Topics
Topic Areas
Number, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Measurement, Indices
~40 marks
Typical Paper Total
Distributed across multiple-choice and essay questions
1.3×
Highest Weight
Mathematics contributes most to your BECE aggregate score
~25% of paper marks
Key subtopics
Sets & Venn diagrams
Number bases
Fractions & decimals
Ratios & proportions
Percentages
Prime factorisation
LCM & HCF
Standard form
Exam tip: Venn diagram questions appear in almost every BECE paper. Master the three-circle Venn diagram — union, intersection, and complement — before moving on to other topics.
~22% of paper marks
Key subtopics
Linear equations
Simultaneous equations
Inequalities & number lines
Substitution into formulae
Word problems
Sequences & patterns
Exam tip: Always show your working. Partial marks are awarded even for a wrong final answer, so a well-structured solution with a small arithmetic error will still earn you marks.
~22% of paper marks
Key subtopics
Angles & parallel lines
Properties of triangles
Pythagoras theorem
Circle theorems
Bearings & scale drawing
Constructions
Transformations
Exam tip: Bring a ruler, protractor, and compass to the exam. Construction questions are common and cannot be answered freehand — marks are lost without accurate diagrams.
~15% of paper marks
Key subtopics
Frequency tables
Mean, median, mode
Cumulative frequency curves
Bar charts & pie charts
Histograms
Simple probability
Stem-and-leaf plots
Exam tip: Practice reading cumulative frequency graphs carefully. Questions on the median, lower quartile, and upper quartile from these curves are frequently tested and easy marks once you know the method.
~12% of paper marks
Key subtopics
Perimeter & area
Volume & surface area
Cylinder & cone
Speed, distance & time
Time calculations
Unit conversions
Exam tip: Always state units in your final answer. Marks are frequently deducted for missing or incorrect units, even when the numerical calculation is correct.
~4% of paper marks
Key subtopics
Laws of indices
Negative indices
Fractional indices
Simplifying surds
Rationalising denominators
Exam tip: Write out the law of indices you are applying before using it. This earns the method mark even if your arithmetic slips, and helps the examiner follow your reasoning.
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Khan Academy — Mathematics
Free, world-class maths instruction covering all BECE topics: algebra, geometry, statistics, and number theory. Best for building understanding of concepts from scratch.
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BECE Maths Past Questions
Step-by-step solutions to actual BECE past paper questions. Filter by year — search "BECE maths 2023" — to focus on the most recent papers and question styles.
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WAEC BECE Maths Tutorials
Ghanaian tutors explaining exam-style maths solutions. Particularly useful for understanding marking schemes and how to present working for maximum marks.
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Algebra for BECE
Focused algebra practice. Simultaneous equations and word problems are the most commonly failed algebra topics at BECE — target these with dedicated video sessions.
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Geometry & Construction
Compass-and-ruler constructions explained step by step. Visual learners benefit greatly from video guides that show the exact pencil and compass movements required.
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Statistics & Probability
Cumulative frequency curves, probability trees, and data analysis questions worked through visually. The graphical reading component is much easier to learn by watching.
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