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Incorrect use of decimal point/thousand separator in answer

In the answer to this case for total hours of listening per year it says “33bn * 52 = 1.716 bn”.

In the rest of the case “.” is used as decimal point whereas the answer here is 1716 billion = 1.716 trillion.

Correct answers would be:

----  1716 bn

----  1.716 tn/trillion

---- 1,716 bn ("," being most common thousands separator when “.” is used as decimal point).

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Jan 02, 2022
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi Jes,

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, good spotting! Unfortunately, too many case studies (even on PrepLounge) contain minor errors like this one.
  • If you look up the author, he seems to be of Dutch origin yet has lived in other countries and regions. He must have simply forgotten about what character to use as thousands separator.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on the matter, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Ian
Coach
on Jan 02, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Jes,

Most cases have small errors like this. If it's obviously an error, just acknowledge that and understand what was intended.

As I'm sure you know, some countries use “,” as a unit separator whereas others use “.”. The author clearly is just international (like most of us) and forgot to be consistent :)

Clara
Coach
on Jan 04, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Indeed it seems like a typo. The coach is in PrepL, why don´t you check with him? I am sure he´d be grateful. 

 

Cheers, 

Clara

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