How would you divide a cake into eight equal pieces with three cuts?
"Make two cuts across the top and one cut sideways through the middle of the cake."
This question is a brain teaser designed to test and observe your analytical skills in real time. Depending on how you go about teasing apart your answer, it will also help them determine your strengths as an analytical or interpersonal thinker. Try answering the question before looking up the answer. Vocalize your answer as you attempt to problem-solve it to practice your communication skills.
Remember, you want to maintain relaxed and confident body language and facial expressions. When confused or moving into a place of concentration, we tend to furrow our brow or redirect our gaze. However, the algorithm could easily misinterpret this as aggression or frustration. So instead, relax your brow and widen your eyes. Slightly tilt your head and nod slowly. Speak slowly and with ease.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Make two cuts across the top and one cut sideways through the middle of the cake."
Jaymie's Feedback
Correct
Anonymous Answer
Make two cuts across the top (vertically and horizontally), stack the four pieces on top of one another, and make the third cut through the middle of the stack.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! Way to think outside the box. Your answer is concise and correct, so kudos!
Anonymous Answer
I've seen this question before. Cut the cake layer in half and cut the top of the cake twice into a cross.
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent.
Anonymous Answer
To divide a cake into eight equal pieces with three cuts, you can follow these steps:
Start by making two cuts across the cake horizontally, from one side to the other side. These cuts should be parallel to each other and at equal distances from the top and bottom of the cake.
Now, make a third cut vertically through the center of the cake, perpendicular to the previous two cuts. This will divide the cake into four equal quarters.
Finally, take one of the quarters and make a diagonal cut from one corner of the quarter to the opposite corner. Repeat this step with the remaining three quarters.
By following these steps, you will end up with eight equal pieces of cake.
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent!
Unlock all 30 Deloitte questions
Prepare for digital interview questions that Deloitte recruiters use to screen candidates.
Get Started