WAEC Mathematics 2023 Paper

Concept:Percentage error is the error expressed as a fraction of the actual value.Here, the measured height is less than the actual height, so the error is the difference between the actual and measured heights.Explanation:Let the actual height be $y$ m.Measured height $= 5.98$ m.Error $= y - 5.98$.Percentage error $= \frac{\text{error}}{\text{actual height}} \times 100\%$.So, $5\% = \frac{y - 5.98}{y} \times 100\%$.Dividing both sides by $100\%$: $\frac{5}{100} = \frac{y - 5.98}{y}$.Cross-multiply: $5y = 100(y - 5.98)$.$5y = 100y - 598$.$598 = 100y - 5y$.$598 = 95y$.$y = \frac{598}{95} = 6.2947\ldots$.Correct to two decimal places, $y = 6.29$ m.Answer:The actual height of the pole is $6.29$ m.Correct option: A. $6.29$ m.