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Data Analysis

Jongmu Oh
Jongmu Oh
312 Points

What is a fermi problem?

I am currently in preparation for some interview and was told to prepare some Fermi problems but I wasn't sure what the context is or if there are Fermi problem categories. The job involves a lot of database/web technologies and analytics, so I was wondering if anyone knows what these problems might mean.

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,644 Points

Fermi problems often require reasonable assumptions and estimates about the situation in order to come up with an approximate answer. They are great for getting candidates to think mathematically and use problem solving skills. An example might be: "How many leaves are on all the trees in Central Park?"

For more details, see this Wikipedia page on Fermi problem.