What is a Fermi problem? 

Fermi problems are back-of-the-envelope, estimate- type calculations. They are often quite whimsical and develop the much needed estimation skill using simple mathematics. This project aims to help you learn the increasingly important skills of problem solving and critical thinking through Fermi problems.

 

How do Fermi problems work?

Such problems teach you to be intuitive, creative and strategic. The best part is, such questions are only an estimate. So, there is no pressure to always be precise. We, thus, aim to get a ballpark estimate using what we know about the real world and reason it to our needs. This ability to reason improves your cognitive skills.

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And how does that happen?

Fermi problems encourage multidisciplinary & integrative thinking. We forge connections among a variety of content areas and come up with solutions. No surprise then, that such problems are often used to gauge the problem solving skills in candidates during interviews (with companies such as Mckinsey, Google, Microsoft & in interviews with top business schools). Further, exercising this problem solving skill can improve how you think and approach a problem in all areas of life.​

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Great. How do I start?

Get started here. Log in or Sign up. Happy Problem Solving!

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