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Wording of the problems

case math wording
New answer on Feb 29, 2020
6 Answers
1.8 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 15, 2019

Hi,

I'm struggling with questions such as: "Everything constant, by how much % should company X increase sales in Y category (all other categories kept constant) in order to reach the target growth rate. How can I work on such questions or in other words, what topic does this fall under?

Thank you so muchhh

Best

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 08, 2019
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I would advise you GMAT quant questions for practicing these type of exercises. You can find many free trials for both exams and exercises in the internet (Veritasprep, London´s Business School MBA´s page, etc.)

However, the way your question is laid, seems more straight forward: for growing by 10%, your sales should grow by 10%, assuming everything else is the same.

Cheers!

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Nov 16, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Not 100% sure that I understand your question. If you want to grow by 10%, your sales should grow by 10% (assuming everything else is the same)

Best

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Deniz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Nov 17, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

This can fall under any category of the case topics. You can give yourself hypothetical examples for you to practice this kind of problems e.g. break-even analysis.

Best,

Deniz

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Kay
Expert
replied on Nov 18, 2019
McKinsey Junior Associate

Hi Anon,

It sounds like you are struggling to convert word problems into equations - this is pretty essential both in the interview stage of consulting, and on the job as well. It's great that you have identified this as a development need.

I would suggest practicing lots of word problems (e.g. GMAT preparation materials should provide some examples, or the McKinsey PST) and getting comfortable with writing formulas from word problems. There are a few formulas that you could "learn" to help with common types. If you are struggling, have a look at the GMAT solutions - these are usually very clear in terms of method.

As with many quantitative skills, this one gets better with practice!

Best of luck,

Kay

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Michal replied on Feb 11, 2020

I guess that regular quick math practice is as important as p2p case interview sessions.

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Luca
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 29, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

You can practice with questions like these with SHL tests or GMAT.
Btw, the secret is to start from the target: grow revenues by Z%. The next step would be to calculate the absolute value of profit increase, P. Now, you have to achieve this surplus of profits increasing revenues from a specific category, Y. Considering this, your answer is simply P/Y.

Best,
Luca

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Clara gave the best answer

Clara

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McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
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