Math Questions at Deloitte: What to Expect

Math questions at Deloitte aren't about advanced calculus. They test your quantitative reasoning, data interpretation, and logical problem-solving—core skills for a consultant who must analyze client data, build business cases, and spot trends quickly. The 6 math questions (out of 38 total) assess your ability to work accurately under time pressure, a direct reflection of real project work. Failing here suggests you might struggle with the numerical rigor the job demands.

What to Expect — Types of Problems

The math section is multiple-choice and typically covers three areas:

1. Basic Arithmetic & Percentages: Profit/loss calculations, percentage change, discount applications, and simple interest. Example: "If revenue was $1.2M last year and grew by 15%, what is the new revenue?"
2. Ratios, Proportions & Averages: Problems about mixing, splitting costs, or finding average rates. Example: "The ratio of consultants to analysts on a team is 3:2. If there are 15 consultants, how many people are on the team total?"
3. Data Interpretation: You'll be given a table, chart, or graph (like a bar chart showing monthly sales) and asked 1-2 questions based on it. This tests your ability to extract and compute values from visual data.

The difficulty is not high-school math, but the time constraint is the real challenge. You have roughly 1-2 minutes per question.

How to Prepare — Study Tips with One Code Example

Brush up on mental math. Practice calculating percentages (e.g., 15% of 80) and fractional conversions (e.g., 3/5 as a percentage) without a calculator. For data interpretation, skim business charts in articles to practice quick reading.

A common underlying pattern is the "two-variable relationship" problem, often solvable with a simple equation or ratio setup. Automating the setup in your mind is key. Here’s a generic code pattern for such problems:

def solve_ratio_problem(ratio_a, ratio_b, known_value, known_part):
    """
    Solves: If A:B = ratio_a:ratio_b, and you know the value of one part,
    find the total or the other part.
    known_part: 'A' or 'B'
    """
    total_ratio = ratio_a + ratio_b
    if known_part == 'A':
        a_value = known_value
        unit_value = a_value / ratio_a
        b_value = unit_value * ratio_b
    else:  # known_part == 'B'
        b_value = known_value
        unit_value = b_value / ratio_b
        a_value = unit_value * ratio_a

    total = a_value + b_value
    return total, a_value, b_value

# Example: Ratio of managers to staff is 2:7. There are 14 managers.
total, managers, staff = solve_ratio_problem(2, 7, 14, 'A')
print(f"Total people: {total}")  # Output: Total people: 63.0

Recommended Practice Order

1. Master Fundamentals: Drill percentage increase/decrease, fraction/decimal conversions, and basic algebra (solving for x).
2. Practice Ratios & Averages: Work on problems involving splits, mixtures, and weighted averages.
3. Tackle Data Interpretation: Use online resources with business charts. Focus on speed and accuracy in pulling numbers.
4. Take Timed Practice Sets: Simulate the 6-question block under exam conditions. Review every mistake to identify weak spots.
5. Mental Math Daily: Spend 5 minutes daily doing calculations in your head.

Practice Math at Deloitte