I conducted classroom research to find out how many students completed writing homework on the weekends and compared that number to assessment scores.'ĥ. I used percentages when I was working as a teacher in my last position. Percentages are useful in a variety of ways at work, whether you are mixing chemicals or conducting market research. When you answer a question like this, try to explain the concept clearly and use practical examples to describe when you might use that skill.Įxample: 'A percentage represents a number of portions out of 100. This question can indicate your basic math skills and ability to apply those skills at work. What is a percentage? When might you need to use percentages at work?

I used these calculations myself when I worked as a personal finance advisor, and my clients always appreciated my clear explanations.' To calculate compound interest, include previously earned interest in your calculations for each forthcoming period. If you are calculating simple interest, simply take the percentage of the principal and add that amount to the base over each period. An account might earn simple interest based on the principal, or it might earn compound interest. To answer this question, explain the math concept they asked for and consider mentioning practical applications.Įxample: 'You can calculate several kinds of interest that might be relevant, depending on the situation. They might also be interested in the way you explain concepts to others. How do you calculate interest?Ī hiring manager might ask this question to determine your comfort level with this kind of math and to get a sense of your confidence in performing certain kinds of calculations. Related: Math Degrees: Types, FAQs and Career Paths 3.

Now, I keep my math skills sharp by using them whenever possible at work.' In college, I expanded on that knowledge by taking further advanced calculus courses as part of my degree. Answer this question specifically by mentioning the courses you took in high school or college.Įxample: 'In high school, our curriculum required course in geometry, algebra and trigonometry. Your interviewer might ask this question to figure out how much formal math education you have and how much you learned outside the classroom. I carefully added up each type of currency, and as a result my tills always matched my reports.' I counted down the tills at the end of the night. Last year, I used arithmetic as shift lead at the coffee shop. For example, I use simple arithmetic when counting back change, algebra when I need to figure out an unknown variable such as the number of customers coming through our store and calculus for more complex problems like rate of change. Try briefly listing a few mathematical fields you have experience in and explain why you might prefer one type of math over another.Įxample: ' I have used a variety of math, including simple arithmetic, algebra and calculus. What types of math are you familiar with? What kind of math do you prefer?Įmployers might ask you about the kinds of math you are familiar with to gauge your experience in the thought processes you'll be using on the job. Here are some examples of math interview questions with explanations and sample answers, many using the STAR method: 1. This means you'll want to discuss a situation when you needed the skill, your specific task, the action you chose and the results of that action. STAR stands for situation, task, action and result. When a hiring manager asks you math interview questions, it can be useful to use the STAR method. View more jobs Math interview questions with sample answers If it’s generally, what’s the closest time next to midnight then it would be 12:03am.'ĭon't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here. While a second explained further: 'Besides D being the answer, if we’re being technical and using to (as in before, so closest time before midnight (12:00am) the it would be A) 11:55am. Very simple but tricky due to the wording.' One person wrote: 'I can understand the argument of some to say 11:55 am could be the answer due to the fact that the operative word which is “to” is used but the obvious answer is 12:03 am. Many takers put the confusion down to the wording of the question, specifically the word 'to' as it was interpreted differently. Meanwhile, 12.06am is six minutes past and 11.50am is 12 hours and 10 minutes earlier than midnight.

Simple math questions and answers