Key Takeaways
- Section Structure
- Topic 1: Arithmetic and Percentages
- Topic 2: Algebra
- Topic 3: Plane Geometry
- Topic 4: Functions and Graphs
- Topic 5: Probability and Statistics
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
📌 Complete Guide: Bocconi Test 2026: Complete Guide to Admission, Preparation & Scoring
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam has over 10 years of experience in education and student mentoring. Passionate about helping students achieve their academic dreams, he co-founded Your Dream School to guide students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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