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How to practice structuring math

Good resources Math problem Structure
Recent activity on Oct 31, 2021
6 Answers
892 Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 06, 2021

Hi,


I've realized one of my major weaknesses is structuring the math part of the case. 


It's not about making the calculations per se. It's about finding the way to solve the math problem quickly and having the structure on how to do it straight from the beginning (rather than going "step by step", and start calculating "something" that I know I'll probably need).


Do you have any suggestions on how to become better? I know that's the part where I tend to stress the most, and I don't want to get caught of guards during a real interview.


Thanks!

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Oct 06, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

How to structure math in a case

  1. Have a seperate "math" scrap sheet of paper
  2. Grab a new sheet of paper every time you're entering a new phase of the case...number and title it
  3. Use tables to organize numbers
  4. Write out the equation before doing the math
  5. Never forget to write down units
  6. Circle key numbers AND write down the "so what"

How to practice math

Most casebooks have a section on math...but I wouldn't rely on this for your prep.

  1. 100% Recommend Rocket Blocks
  2. Online "Drills": (Sites like JetPunk and Preplounge)
  3. In addition to that, you can ask other PrepLoungers to case you on math-heavy cases. You can also search for those case types here and work through them yourself.

Some key math formulas/concepts:

  • Breakeven
  • NPV (with + without growth, perpituity + 1-2 years from now)
  • % Change
  • ROI
  • Margin
  • Markup
  • Inventory turnover

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Some great answers from a variety of angles have already been asked. Check these out!

Mental Math

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mental-math-help-7962

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/is-quick-mental-math-a-skill-that-can-be-learned-5210

Conceptual/Contextual Math

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/materials-for-practicing-conceptual-case-math-8016

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/math-concepts-6951

(edited)

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Agrim
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replied on Oct 06, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

It seems like you need to discipline your approach.

Try solving all your math problems only in algebraic form - without any numbers. This way - you will be able to create a rigor in your mind.

Other than that - always work from the top.

  • Write down the equation of your final objective first. Even if it contains 2 values that you will calculate in the rest of the case.
  • Then keep breaking down those values step-by-step till you have the full formula opened apart.
  • Then see what all quantities need mathematical calculations and simply execute.

Happy to guide you in bullet-proof quant through a coaching session.

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Hagen
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replied on Oct 06, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • First of all, I would advise you to become familiar and have a look at model solutions of often found concepts such as break-even point, NPV, ROI, inventory turnover aso.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to practice quantitative questions either from case books (for instance, CaseCoach offers mostly interviewer-led case studies where you can quite easily just practice the quantiative questions) or from text assignments from high school.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best practice structuring quantitative questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

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Pedro
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updated an answer on Oct 06, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

The general “rule” is that you should structure first, and only later do the math. You should avoid doing both at the same time, because it leads to the problem you mentioned.

Regarding how to creat a good structure, have you read Preplounge's bootcamp article on market sizing? It's a good foundation for that:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/case-cracking-toolbox/identify-your-case-type/market-sizing

If you still find it hard after going through this article reach out and we can discuss further.

 

(edited)

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Antonello
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replied on Oct 06, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

It's crucial that you structure the problem analytically by, for example, creating an issue tree via the algebraic formula you want to develop and compute.

Market sizings are particularly useful to learn structuring and analytical thinking.

Let me know if I can help you with your preparation with structuring math. I have specific sessions tailored around this important part of the case interview.

Best,

Anto

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Marco-Alexander
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replied on Oct 31, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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