Unusual Case Studies: Solving Brain Teasers in Elite Interviews
Current User
April 20, 2026
1 min read
Master the art of the 'Fermi Problem' and win over interviewers at Google, McKinsey, and beyond.
'How many tennis balls fit in a Boeing 747?' These questions aren't looking for a number; they're looking for a structured thought process. Here is how to deconstruct them.
First Principles Thinking
Break the problem down into its smallest parts: volume of a ball, volume of the cabin, the percentage of empty space (packing density). Estimation is a skill.
"The process is the product. Your logic is your resume."
The Mental Framework
- Don't rush to the finish; explain your assumptions out loud.
- Use round numbers for easier mental math.
- Verify your answer with a 'sanity check' at the end.


