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What material can be used to improve the math skills required for consulting?
Overview of answers
Hi,
The best way to develop math problem solving is to download all available case books and go just through the math problem. There is a limited number of types of problems in cases and you can cover almost all of them
In addition, you have to develop 3 calculation skills:
1) Learn how to multiply double-digit numbers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ndkkPZYJHo).
2) Learn how to work with zeros. The best way - always use 10^power instead of zeros
Example:
300x9000 = 3*10ˆ2 x 9*10ˆ3=3x9*10ˆ(2+3)=27*10ˆ5
Handwritten it looks not that complicated. If you get used to writing all the numbers that way, you will never lose zeros and all multiplications/divisions will be replaced with + or -.
3) Learn the division table up to 1/11 (i.e. 5/6 = 83.3%). It will help you calculate any percentage problems
Use math tools to train (Preplounge tool, Mimir math for iOS, Math tool on Viktor Cheng website). Train, train, and train again
Good luck!
Hello!
I always recommend to people that want to put extra time to the math skills to practice it with the Integrated Reasoning part of the GMAT exam.
There are free exams in the internet that you can use for practice (the one of LBS MBA page, Verits prep, as well as some free trials for courses such as the one of The Economist (https://gmat.economist.com/)
Furthermore, you can leverage the MBB tests (https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bcg-online/, https://www.psychometricinstitute.co.uk/Free-Aptitude-Tests.asp, and many others)
Hope it helps!
- 100% Recommend Rocket Blocks. It's exactly what you're looking for https://www.rocketblocks.me/
- Online "Drills": https://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/fast-math-multiplication-quiz
- Math sheets (print these and do them on paper): https://www.math-drills.com/
- 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 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
Key Math Equations
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/math-equations-their-use-7934
Math Practice
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/case-math-practice-6877
Hello!
Some simple things you could do:
- Try PrepLounge's Mental Math Tool https://www.preplounge.com/en/mental-math.php
- Practice sample PST available on McKinsey’s website
- Use these questions to practice (there are answers as well) https://www.academia.edu/15646015/Consulting_Math_Drills_Short_Questions_Practice_Package_Overview_and_Instructions
Do you need any further help?
GB
Agree with Ian. Rocketblocks works great for very targeted improvement of math skills typically required in Interviews.
Hi,
Here you can find some useful links to simulate PST:
- https://mconsultingprep.com/free-practice-mckinsey-pst/
- https://igotanoffer.com/pages/mckinsey-problem-solving-test
- https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Careers%20REDESIGN/Interviewing/Main/
Problem%20Solving%20Test%20PDFs/practice-test-A.ashx
Here some free link to practice with quantitative part of SHL test
- https://www.gradtests.com.au/test/starttest/TestType/2/TestId/45/practice/1
- https://www.wikijob.co.uk/aptitude-test/verbal-reasoning-practice
- https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/sign-up/programme/shl
- https://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests
Best,
Anto
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