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Math Question During Interview

Interview math
Recent activity on Sep 13, 2018
2 Answers
2.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 13, 2018

Hi everyone,

During an interview, the interviewer will ask us some sudden math question so how long do we have to calculate it ? Can we write it down to a paper and calculate the number ?

During solving case, can we write down our math calculation or it has to be 100% estimate in our mind ?

Thank you so much,

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Benjamin
Expert
 replied on Sep 13, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework

Hi,

When performing a calculation, I recommand :

  • Split the discussion in two : start with the structure of the calculation, and once it's validated draw hypothesis and perform the calculation
  • when perofrming the calculation, we don' t expect you to be supper fast, be at least to be accurate. So in case, it's super direct, you should ALWAYS write down on the paper the calculation. I also recommand to proceed with intermediate steps in the calculation so it will be easier to correct in case there is a mistake.

Best
Benjamin

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Vlad
Expert
 replied on Sep 13, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You SHOULD write down the numbers and come up with the approach to calculations. Some of the calculations you will calculate mentally, others (e.g. equations) you will actually do on paper.

Overall you should follow the following algorithm:

  1. Always tell the interviewer your approach
  2. Check with the interviewer that your approach is correct
  3. Do the calculations writing down the numbers and doing the simple calculations mentally. Come to the interviewer with some preliminary answers
  4. Check your answer with the interviewer

Best

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