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Got this today in in an MBB exam. And it's still confusing to me. The way I'd approach it is by finding the volume of Product A and the volume of a container (both cuboids - l*b*h) and then divide the container volume/A's volume. It gives around 221 units which is not in the answer. I know the exam is over but curious knowing the trick here …

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Ian
Coach
on Sep 11, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

The volume-based approach won't quite work here as it assume perfection!

You have to consider “leftover” space. As in, the boxes have their own shape…think about if you want to fit several rubix cubes into a container you have. Do they perfectly fit or is there space leftover? (on the sides and at the top)

Agrim
Coach
edited on Sep 11, 2021
Top Awarded Coach | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Master Casing in only 3 Hours | 10y in Consulting | Free Intro Call

Your error:
You are assuming that the boxes are cats or are liquid - so that they can fit into any kind of nook. However, these are boxes with rigid dimensions. You need to actually try and draw out the pattern in which you will fit the boxes.

Solution 1:
Give below is version 1 of the cross-sectional layout of the container. Each cross-section will be 1.22m thick so there will be 9 cross-sections. Hence you can fit 16*9 = 144 boxes.

IMG_6213.jpg

 

Solution 2:
Give below is version 2 of the cross-sectional layout of the container. Each cross-section will be 0.5m thick so there will be 24 cross-sections. Hence you can fit 8*24 = 192 boxes. The only issue here that some boxes are in non-upright positions.

IMG_6212.jpg
on Sep 11, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

Where did you get this question from?

Best,

Anto

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