Mathematical Puzzles asked in Interviews
What are the typical math puzzles an MBA grad would be asked in an interview?
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What's the square root of 18?
Many consulting firms have stopped or significantly decreased the use of brain teasers. A more relevant question would be like:
Estimate the market size for product X in location Y.
Also, questions like: "A cabbie just dropped off a passenger at La guardia. Should he wait at the airport to pick up another passenger or should he go back to Manhattan immediately. Explain your reasoning"
You will be asked market sizing questions, which are essentially logic puzzles within themselves.
Can you guys please give more examples of some of these questions..... or any ideas where can I find more questions like these?
Pick up a case interview guide.
More info on market sizing questions:
What Is Market Sizing?
In their simplest form, market-sizing cases require the candidate to determine the size of a particular market (hence the name). In the real world, this information can be especially helpful when gauging the attractiveness of a new market. In the interview context, a market-sizing question might be pitched in an extremely straightforward format (for example, "What is the market for surfboards in the United States?").
Or it may be disguised as a more complex question (for example, "Do you think Fidelity should come out with a mutual fund targeted at high-net-worth individuals?") which requires the respondent to peel away the extraneous detail in order to identify the market-sizing issue at the core.
Market sizing is one of the main questions....
ANy other they focus on..... I remember hearing in my freshman year that some consulting interviews get quantative in terms of statistical questions.. e.g. how would you forecast, a few probability questions.... directly.
Any comments/opinions.....
how many ping pong balls will fit in a 747?
how many telephones numbers are their in this state?
What is the expected number of coin flips to get 2 heads in a row
What is the angle between the minute and hour hand at 3:15?
Sometimes, depending on the area of consulting your going into you might get more specific questions.
How many cargo crates fit inside a super tanker? How many oranges are consumed every day?
I was asked a question by a EM at McKinsey during my interview...
crapload of information about starting up an airline company and I was required to extract all the formulas and solve a series of 5 equations under a time limit. Luckily, I answered the problem correctly. Unfortunately, I didn't get the offer (other interview didnt go to well in the same round)
GOOD LUCK
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