Quick Answer: The Mathematics section of the Online Bocconi Test contains 24 out of 50 questions — the largest section by far. It covers 12 topic areas including algebra, functions, geometry, trigonometry, probability, and statistics. Because this section carries 48% of the total questions, it is the highest-leverage area to improve. Students applying to the BMSAI program must also achieve a minimum of 11 points in Mathematics specifically. Last updated: March 2026.
Why Mathematics Is the Most Important Section
With 24 questions out of 50, the Mathematics section represents 48% of the entire Online Bocconi Test. This means your Mathematics score has more impact on your final result than all other three sections combined. If you are aiming for 40+ (the competitive threshold), you will need to score strongly here.
There is also a special requirement: students who include the Bachelor in Mathematical and Computing Sciences for Artificial Intelligence (BMSAI) among their program choices must score at least 11 points in Mathematics to be considered for that program.
The Complete Mathematics Syllabus
The official Bocconi syllabus covers 12 topic areas. Here is a breakdown of each, with the key sub-topics you need to master:
| Topic | Key Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Polynomials, powers, radicals, equations and inequalities (1st and 2nd degree), systems of equations, absolute values |
| Functions | Mathematical notation, inverse functions, composition of functions, graphs of elementary functions (powers, logs, exponentials) |
| Plane Geometry | Formulas for triangles, circles, squares, trapezoids, rhombuses |
| Analytical Geometry | Points, distance formula, equations of lines (parallel, perpendicular, slope, intersection), parabolas, circles |
| Trigonometry | sin(x), cos(x), tan(x), their inverses, trigonometric identities, applications to right triangles |
| Sets | Inclusion, union, intersection, complement, Cartesian product |
| Logarithms & Exponentials | Equations and inequalities involving logarithms and exponentials |
| Discrete Mathematics | Permutations, combinations with and without repetitions, counting problems |
| Numbers | Properties of real numbers, percentages, unit conversions |
| Probability | Basic probability properties, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem |
| Problem Solving | Simple real-world application problems |
| Statistics | Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion |
Topic Priority: Where to Focus First
Not all topics appear with equal frequency on the test. Based on the structure of Bocconi-style questions, here is a recommended priority order for your preparation:
Tier 1 — High frequency, high impact (master these first)
- Algebra — This is the backbone of most Bocconi Math questions. Equation solving, inequalities, and algebraic manipulation appear in many forms throughout the section.
- Analytical Geometry — Line equations, distance, and parabola problems are standard. Expect 3-5 questions in this area.
- Functions — Understanding graphs of elementary functions and their transformations is essential for both direct questions and multi-step problems.
- Probability — Conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem questions are regularly tested and students often underestimate this area.
Tier 2 — Medium frequency (develop solid competence)
- Trigonometry — Focus on the unit circle, key identities, and right-triangle applications. Complex proofs are not required.
- Logarithms & Exponentials — Solving equations and inequalities involving log and exp functions. Know the key rules thoroughly.
- Discrete Mathematics — Combinations and permutations, especially in word problems. Practice setting up counting problems systematically.
- Statistics — Mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation. Questions typically involve interpreting a dataset rather than complex calculation.
Tier 3 — Lower frequency (ensure basic competence)
- Sets — Venn diagram problems and set operations. Usually straightforward once the notation is understood.
- Plane Geometry — Area and perimeter formulas. Memorize the standard formulas and practice applying them quickly.
- Numbers & Problem Solving — Percentages, ratios, and unit conversions. These are generally accessible but easy to lose time on if you are not systematic.
Key Formulas to Memorize
You will not have access to a formula sheet during the test. The following are the most commonly needed formulas:
Geometry
- Circle: Area = πr², Circumference = 2πr
- Triangle: Area = ½ × base × height
- Trapezoid: Area = ½ × (a + b) × h
- Distance between two points: d = √[(x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²]
Algebra
- Quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b²−4ac)) / 2a
- Discriminant: Δ = b² − 4ac (Δ > 0: two solutions; Δ = 0: one; Δ < 0: none)
- Difference of squares: a² − b² = (a+b)(a−b)
Probability
- Conditional probability: P(A|B) = P(A∩B) / P(B)
- Bayes’ theorem: P(A|B) = P(B|A) × P(A) / P(B)
- Combinations: C(n,k) = n! / (k! × (n−k)!)
Trigonometry
- Pythagorean identity: sin²(x) + cos²(x) = 1
- Key values: sin(30°)=½, sin(45°)=√2/2, sin(60°)=√3/2
- cos(x) = sin(90°−x); tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x)
8-Week Mathematics Study Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algebra foundations | Master equations, inequalities, and factoring with confidence |
| 2 | Functions & Analytical Geometry | Graph interpretation, line equations, parabolas |
| 3 | Trigonometry & Logarithms | Unit circle, key identities, log/exp equations |
| 4 | Probability & Discrete Math | Conditional probability, Bayes, combinations/permutations |
| 5 | Statistics & Sets | Descriptive statistics, Venn diagrams, set operations |
| 6 | Geometry & Numbers | Area/perimeter formulas, percentages, ratios |
| 7 | Mixed practice | Timed practice across all topics, identify remaining weak areas |
| 8 | Full test simulations | Timed 50-question tests, refine time management strategy |
Test-Day Strategy for Mathematics
With 24 questions and roughly 36 minutes allocated to Mathematics (at 1.5 min/question average across all 50 questions), you need a clear strategy:
- First pass — do the easy ones fast. Go through all 24 questions and answer the ones you can solve quickly (under 60 seconds). Skip the harder ones for now.
- Second pass — tackle the medium difficulty. Return to skipped questions. Spend up to 2 minutes per question.
- Penalty management. If you cannot eliminate any options on a question, leave it blank. A blank scores 0; a wrong answer costs -0.2.
- Watch the clock. The test doesn’t show you a per-section timer — you need to track total time. Practice pacing yourself across the full 50-question test.
Author: Adam Girsault, Founder of Your Dream School. With over 10 years of experience in international university admissions consulting, Adam has guided hundreds of students through the Bocconi admission process.