the prompt this whole guide is built on
I'm stuck on this problem: [paste it]. Don't solve it. Ask me one question at a time that helps me find the next step myself. If I'm still stuck after three tries, show me only the next step.
It's late, one problem won't budge, and you've reread the example in the textbook three times. The full answer is one paste away, and you know that won't help you at all on the exam.
So use AI like a tutor. Tell it not to solve anything and make it hand you one hint at a time. You still finish tonight, and you can do the next one on your own.
How to do it
- Paste the problem into the prompt above. Add what you've tried so far, even if it's wrong.
- Answer its questions honestly. Saying you don't know is fine, it'll back up and try a smaller step.
- Take the one step, then try the rest yourself before you ask again.
- Once you get it, explain the whole solution back to the AI in your own words.
- Do the next problem with no help. If you can, you've got it.
Check your work, no spoilers
Here's my work on this problem: [paste it]. Don't give me the answer. Tell me the first line where something goes wrong and why, then stop.
One more for practice
Give me a new problem that uses the same idea with different numbers. Don't show the solution until I ask for it.
that's it. go try it tonight.
