[Poofler]

[ QUOTE ]
wow, no, the person is not expected to "ask the dimensions of a 747."

the script goes like this:

1: ok, so let's do a few thought problems, ready?
2: shoot
1: how many ping pong balls would fit interior to a 747?
2: well, i'd estimate the size of a ping pong ball like this
then i'd estimate the volume of a 747 (cabin) like this
then i'd either make some adjustments or not
then i'd divide
then i'd get this number
1: great, next question ...

if you just squint for a second and plunk out a number, you're not showing the thought process, and the thought process is what they are looking for. they aren't looking for you to figure out what the important information is and then ask them for it, they're looking for common sense, reasoning, estimation, intelligence. further, if you just throw out a number, you're just not getting the job. nor is the guy who asks for the dimensions of a 747.

lol strategy in b4l

[/ QUOTE ]

Bingo. It's a pretty common consulting question. In the future, feel free to wild guesstimate about the individual objects in the question - you essentially just have to do that with the ping pong balls. Just don't wild guesstimate the answer.