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Math Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Math interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you use math in your daily life? See answer
  2. Can you list some different classes of math? See answer
  3. Explain the formula for calculating interest. See answer
  4. What is the highest level of math you completed in high school or college? See answer
  5. Are you comfortable using a calculator and other math tools? See answer
  6. How do you calculate commissions? See answer
  7. Can you give an example of converting a fraction into a percentage? See answer
  8. Please describe your teaching style. See answer
  9. Do you have experience with bank transaction software? See answer
  10. Provide a brief description of the math courses you’ve taken.
  11. Can you explain how you count and give back change from the cash register?
  12. Can you define percentage?
  13. What types of math are you most familiar with?
  14. Is there a type of math that you’re the most comfortable with?
  15. Do you possess a basic understanding of probability and combinatorics (coding)?
  16. Do you find solving math problems easy or difficult?
  17. Describe your process of calculating complex equations to arrive at accurate answers.
  18. How do you keep your mathematical skills sharp?
  19. What is your process when checking your calculations for accuracy?
  20. What is geometry?
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Hire your next Math today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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10 Math Interview Questions and Answers

How do you use math in your daily life?

Since math is utilized in a wide range of jobs, this question can help employers gauge an interviewee's overall math comprehension and how it pertains to the specific job they're applying for. For example, algebra skills are utilized in money management jobs, while fractions and proportions are used in baking and cooking. What to look for in an answer:

  • Comprehension of the math skills needed for the position
  • Understanding of basic math
  • Problem-solving skills
Example:
Example:

"I would say I use math multiple times a day in my life. I run an online shop, so I'm required to calculate tax and order totals. I help my spouse with accounting for his business, and I use his financial calculator at least three times a week. I even use math when measuring ingredients in the kitchen."

Can you list some different classes of math?

This is a good question for those interviewing for positions as math teachers or math teacher assistants. While they don't need to provide a rundown of all 26 types of math, a good candidate should display a clear comprehension of the type of math that the position entails. Some candidates may also have majored in math on top of earning a bachelor's degree. What to look for in an answer:

  • Clear understanding of the different classes of math
  • Strong comprehension of the type of math required for the teaching position
  • Good communication skills
Example:

"Some of the different classes of math include algebra, which is basically a broad division of math that utilizes letters and symbols, and geometry, which entails shape, size and position of space. Combinatorics is one of the highest levels of math, and its teachings consist of multiple methods of counting."

Please describe your teaching style.

This question is essential when interviewing math teachers and professors. Teaching styles can range from authoritative to collaborative and everything in-between, so it's important for interviewers to gain insight into potential candidates' styles to ensure they'll blend in well with the other teachers and overall principles of the learning institution. What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Clear communication skills
  • Enthusiasm for teaching
Example:

"My teaching style varies depending on the job. When I worked as a college professor, I took a more authoritative approach because my classes mostly consisted of lectures. When I taught grade school, my style leaned more toward facilitator, which really encouraged my students to develop their problem-solving skills and trust their instincts."

How do you calculate commissions?

Commissions often go hand-in-hand with sales jobs, such as retail, automobile and real estate. Individuals applying for these types of positions should demonstrate a clear understanding of the way commissions are calculated or a willingness to learn the process. What to look for in an answer:

  • Firm understanding of the commission calculating process
  • Basic math and algebra skills
  • Problem-solving skills
Example:

"To calculate a commission, I multiply the sale price by the commission percentage. Then, I divide that calculation by 100 to equal the commission. For example, if an item sells for $70 and the salesperson receives a 14% commission on each item they sell, the commission on a $70 item would be $9.80.

Do you have experience with bank transaction software?

Experience with bank transaction software is essential for individuals interviewing for bank teller positions and other banking jobs. If interviewing someone for an entry-level position, they may not have hands-on experience with the software, but they should demonstrate an eagerness to learn the system during training. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of and past experience with bank transaction software
  • Clear understanding of basic math (counting money, making change and basic calculating)
  • Willingness to learn new things
Example:

"I don't have personal experience using banking software since this would be my first job in the banking industry. However, I have strong math skills and was the cashier manager at my last job, so I'm familiar with counting out money and providing correct change. I'm a quick learner, and I believe I could understand the software if given the opportunity."

Are you comfortable using a calculator and other math tools?

Many positions require the use of calculators, 10-key number punching and even basic rulers and measuring tapes. This is a good question to ask applicants interviewing for cashier or retail jobs and positions in banking, accounting and payroll. What to look for in an answer:

  • Clear understanding of basic math tools
  • Demonstration of math skills
  • Comfortable working with calculators, cash registers and petty cash boxes, among others
Example:

"I'm totally comfortable using calculators. I used basic and scientific calculators all through high school and college, and when I worked at a real estate agency, I was trained on financial calculators to figure out interest rates and real estate payments."

Can you give an example of converting a fraction into a percentage?

Asking for an example of converting fractions into percentages helps a hiring manager gauge an applicant's understanding of algebra fundamentals. Algebra is used in a wide range of positions, including engineering, accounting and architecture. What to look for in an answer:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of algebra fundamentals
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills
Example:

"To convert a fraction into a percentage, I would first divide the numerator by the denominator. I would then take that result and multiply it by 100 for the percentage. For example, 4/10 converts to 0.4. When I multiply 0.4 x 100, I get 40%, so 4/10 equals 40%.

Is there a type of math that you're the most comfortable with?

This math interview question is helpful for employers interviewing candidates for math teacher positions. While certain teachers may be comfortable with teaching all levels of math from basic skills to advanced trigonometry, others may excel in specific areas, such as algebra or calculus, and prefer to teach only those classes. What to look for in an answer:

  • A clear understanding of different levels of math
  • Confidence in their abilities
  • Problem-solving skills
Example:

"I'm comfortable with teaching the basic fundamentals of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. I also enjoy teaching algebra and geometry. However, I'm not as comfortable with calculus and trigonometry, but I'd be willing to take continuing education courses to brush up my skills if required for the position."

Explain the formula for calculating interest.

Individuals applying for positions in the lending and banking industries should be able to answer this question easily. Employers should look for an understanding of simple division and an ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills. For entry-level positions, an applicant should express a willingness to learn any process they are unfamiliar with. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledgeable in basic math and division
  • Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn new things
  • Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills
Example:

"To calculate interest, I would first determine the principal amount, and then I'd determine the interest. In this example, I would add 1.5% interest to equal 0.015 to a $2,000 loan with a term of six months and a variable term of 1. The calculation of $2,000 x 0.015 x 1 equals $30 interest.”

What is the highest level of math you completed in high school or college?

Since a wide range of positions require mathematical skills, this math interview question is suitable for jobs ranging from cashiers to chemists. How an interviewee answers this question gives an employer insight into their overall skill set and knowledge of mathematics and whether it's acceptable for the position they're interviewing for. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to demonstrate math skills and comprehension
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Strong understanding of the different levels of math (depending on the position)
Example:

"I took math all through high school, and the highest level I completed was precalculus in my senior year. In college, I completed calculus 1 and 2. I consider myself highly skilled in all levels of mathematics up to calculus 2, and I believe my problem-solving ability is definitely above average."

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