If you were asked to solve 7M/1.9K, what tricks/shortcuts would you use to find a roughly accurate answer?
If you were asked to solve 7M/1.9K, what tricks/shortcuts would you use to find a roughly accurate answer?
Hi there,
Q: If you were asked to solve 7M/1.9K, what tricks/shortcuts would you use to find a roughly accurate answer?
If you need a “roughly” accurate, you should be able to approximate. I would clarify with the interviewer if that’s an option.
If that’s possible, I would then recommend the following:
Below you can also find some general math tips:
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In terms of how to approach math during the case, this is what I would recommend:
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In terms of general math tips and avoiding mistakes, I would recommend the following:
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I would also recommend to practice math under pressure - not just math. Many candidates are totally fine doing 67% of 67 in normal conditions, but freeze if asked this suddenly in a case interview.
In order to do so, try always to use a timer with a time constraint when you practice math – this will create pressure and help to replicate the actual conditions of the interview.
Hope this helps,
Francesco
Hi there,
I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:
If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Best,
Hagen
Hi there,
Completely agree with Paul here!
7M/1.9k is the “same” as 7000/2.
You can either write out the zeros or practice knowing what B,M, and K represent.
Hi there,
I would ask the interviewer whether I can approximate 1.9K to 2K, ensuring him that
1) I would give an evaluation of how much this answer could be “off”
2) evaluate potential implications (if any) on the answer to the client problem
This could draw IMO 8/10 interviewers to grant permission to approximate.
Then I would do: 7 000 000 / 2 000 → Cut zeros = 7000 / 2 = 3500
As agreed would then proceed to test/ correct answer w/ interviewer
1) How much we are off: I Increased denominator by 5% (2 vs. 1.9k)→ This means that the answer should be off by -5% (underestimated)
I would therefore tell interviewer the answer is 5% more than 3500 → 10% of 3500 is 350 → 5% = 175 = 3500+175 = 3675
(pretty close - real answer is 3684)
2) Potential implications discussion (if relevant)
Hope this help.
Feel free to reach out if you want to deep-dive on similar topics
This gives you an accurate enough answer for 95% of cases: 7000/2