Post-UTME flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Concord

Agreement between subject and verb in number and person. Singular subjects take singular verbs even when phrases intervene: 'The box of pens is here.'

Subjunctive mood

Verb form expressing wish, doubt, or command. Used after wish, as if, and demand: 'I wish I were taller'; 'The board insisted that she resign.'

Quadratic formula

x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)]/2a solves ax² + bx + c = 0. The discriminant b² − 4ac determines whether roots are real, equal, or complex.

Sum of geometric progression

For first term a and ratio r, Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1)/(r − 1) when r ≠ 1. The infinite sum S∞ = a/(1 − r) exists only when |r| < 1.

Cosine rule

In any triangle, a² = b² + c² − 2bc cos A. It finds a side from two sides and the included angle, or an angle from three sides.

ECOWAS

Economic Community of West African States, founded in 1975 by the Treaty of Lagos. Its headquarters is in Abuja, Nigeria, and its aim is regional economic integration.

OPEC

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, founded in 1960 to coordinate oil production policies among members. Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.

Nigerian independence

Nigeria gained independence from Britain on 1 October 1960 and became a republic in 1963. Its Federal Capital Territory moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991.

Mitochondrion

Membrane-bound organelle where aerobic respiration occurs, producing ATP. Cells with high energy demand, such as muscle cells, contain many mitochondria.

Photosynthesis equation

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, driven by light energy trapped by chlorophyll. Light reactions occur in thylakoids; the Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma.

Binomial nomenclature

Two-part scientific naming system using genus and species, with the genus capitalised and the whole name italicised, for example Homo sapiens or Zea mays.

Mole concept

One mole contains 6.02 × 10²³ particles and equals the molar mass in grams. At STP, one mole of gas occupies 22.4 dm³.

OIL RIG

Mnemonic for redox: Oxidation Is Loss of electrons, Reduction Is Gain. An oxidising agent gains electrons and is itself reduced in the reaction.

Boyle's law

At constant temperature, the volume of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to pressure: p₁V₁ = p₂V₂. Compressing a gas raises its pressure proportionally.

Ohm's law

Current through a conductor is directly proportional to potential difference at constant temperature: V = IR. Power dissipated is P = IV = I²R.

Archimedes' principle

Upthrust on a body in a fluid equals the weight of fluid displaced. A floating body displaces its own weight; a sinking body displaces its own volume.

Wave equation

Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength: v = fλ. Frequency is fixed by the source; speed and wavelength change when the medium changes.

Opportunity cost

The value of the next best alternative forgone when a choice is made. It arises because resources are scarce and can serve competing uses.

Price elasticity of demand

Percentage change in quantity demanded divided by percentage change in price. Demand is elastic when the value exceeds 1, inelastic when below 1.

Inflation

A sustained rise in the general price level, measured by the consumer price index. Demand-pull and cost-push are its two main causes.

Separation of powers

Doctrine dividing government into legislature, executive, and judiciary, each with distinct functions. Checks and balances prevent any arm from abusing power.

Rule of law

Principle that everyone, including rulers, is subject to the law. It requires equality before the law, impartial courts, and protection of individual rights.

Soliloquy

A speech in drama delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing private thoughts to the audience. It differs from an aside, heard only by the audience.

Metaphor

A figure of speech stating one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as', such as 'the classroom was a zoo'. It creates direct imaginative comparison.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj. These are the core obligatory acts of worship for Muslims, with Hajj required once if physically and financially able.

Good Samaritan parable

Jesus' parable of a traveller who helps a wounded stranger after others pass by. It teaches that a neighbour is anyone in need, regardless of background.

Soil pH

A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity on a 0–14 scale. Most crops grow best near 6.0–7.0; lime raises pH and sulphur or organic matter lowers it.

NPK fertiliser

Fertiliser labelled by percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus root and fruit development, potassium overall vigour.

Accounting equation

Assets = Capital + Liabilities. Every transaction keeps this balance because double entry records equal debits and credits in at least two accounts.

Trial balance

A list of ledger balances proving total debits equal total credits. It detects arithmetic errors but not errors of principle, omission, or compensating errors.

Gross profit

Sales revenue minus cost of goods sold, where cost of goods sold equals opening stock plus purchases plus carriage inwards minus returns outwards minus closing stock.

Credit note

A document issued by a seller to reduce a buyer's debt, usually because goods were returned or overcharged. It is the opposite of a debit note.