The mathematics section of the Bocconi Online Bocconi Test tests not memorisation, but analytical speed and rigour — exactly the qualities Bocconi seeks in future economics students. This guide covers every formula you need, organised by topic, with time-saving strategies.
Section Structure
10 questions, 20 minutes. Scoring: +1 correct, −0.25 incorrect, 0 unanswered. No calculator allowed. Mental calculation speed is essential.
Topic 1: Arithmetic and Percentages
These should be automatic. Key formulas: Percentage = value × (rate/100) | Percentage change = [(final − initial)/initial] × 100 | Rule of three: if a/b = c/x → x = (b×c)/a. Practice mental percentage calculations daily — no calculator means you must be fast.
Topic 2: Algebra
The most frequently tested topic. Master: Quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b²−4ac)) / 2a | Discriminant: Δ = b²−4ac (if Δ < 0, no real solution) | Key identities: (a+b)² = a²+2ab+b² | (a−b)² = a²−2ab+b² | (a+b)(a−b) = a²−b²
Topic 3: Plane Geometry
Triangle area = (base × height)/2 | Pythagoras: a²+b²=c² | Circle: perimeter = 2πr, area = πr² | Trapezoid area = [(B+b) × h]/2 | Triangle angles sum = 180° | Polygon (n sides) angles sum = (n−2) × 180°
Topic 4: Functions and Graphs
Linear function: f(x) = ax+b (slope = a) | Parabola: f(x) = ax²+bx+c (vertex at x = −b/2a) | Domain: values where function is defined | x-intercepts: solve f(x)=0 | y-intercept: f(0)
Topic 5: Probability and Statistics
P(A) = favourable outcomes / total outcomes | P(A∪B) = P(A)+P(B)−P(A∩B) | Independent events: P(A∩B) = P(A)×P(B) | Combinations: C(n,k) = n!/[k!(n−k)!] | Mean = sum/count | Median = middle value when ordered
Key Strategies
- 2-minute rule: Never spend more than 90 seconds on one question — skip and return
- Active elimination: Read all answer choices first; eliminate obviously wrong ones before calculating
- Value substitution: For algebraic identities, test x=0, x=1, x=2 — often faster than algebraic development
- Penalty management: Answer if you’ve eliminated 2+ options; skip only when completely uncertain
8-Week Plan
Weeks 1–2: Arithmetic and algebra review | Weeks 3–4: Geometry and functions | Week 5: Probability and statistics | Weeks 6–7: Full timed mock tests | Week 8: Targeted revision of weak areas.
Go Further
→ Complete Bocconi Test Guide | → Expert Bocconi Coaching
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