Improving case flow/math

Hi Deniz!

I think the best advice can be provided once we get to learn your specific problems.

However, few points from my side in addition to the other answers that might help:

• Nervous: If you get nervous from seeing a lot of numbers - the best way to get rid of the fear is to just PRACTICE. Do a good number of intense math cases. That should give you the confidence.
• Flow 1: You need to first make sure that you quickly write your approach on the paper. No need to write full sentences - just do like a rough flowchart. Since you said your structuring skills are good - this should be doable.
• Flow 2: Write down all the data in the flowchart. If the data points correspond to actual boxes - write down against the boxes. If its an aside data point - then write in on a blank space. Once you use any data point - just put a mark on it. This way you will know what you have used and what you haven't.
• Flow 3: When you start doing the calculations - leverage the flowchart you have developed. Write down the intermediate results on the corresponding boxes so that you don't have to burden youself with remembering random numbers. This has 3 benefits: A) you won't have to remember anything except your approach; B) you will not miss using any number; C) you will be relaxed - knowing that you are proceeding as per plan.
• Speed: Accuracy is valued over speed. Assuming your speed is reasonably OK. If you are terribly slow then first get the math drills under your belt.
• Speak aloud: Check out this Q&A https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/doing-calculations-in-silence-or-speak-out-loud-10992
• Rounding: Its eventually an art. You will need to practice to develop the right judgment. When you are practicing - do it both ways and see how much of a difference your rounding made to the final result. With enough practice in place - you will subconsciously develop a sense of what to do. Sometimes 3.9 can be obviously rounded to 4.0 - but sometimes make keeping the 3.9 as 3.9 might be the right way (either because its really important to keep it 3.9 - or because it will make your calculations simpler.)

Hey there,

1. You should take around a maximum of 6 minutes with a math question. Better slower and accurate than swift and wrong
2. Introduce your approach first, then go through the calculations in silence, only providing intermediate results (as a safety measure)
3. Rounding is fine as long as it does not change the direction of the outcome.

• Balance rounding (e.g., if you round one number up and multiply it with a different number, round the other number down)
• If you want to play it safe ask the interviewer

Cheers,

Florian

Hi Deniz,

Hard to give advice without specifically seeing what's blocking you here, but I do have the following general tips:

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"