Part 2 - Building Skill
9. Ask the AI to Think Step by Step
Goal: Improve accuracy on reasoning tasks by asking for the working, not just the answer.
For anything involving logic, maths or multi-part reasoning, asking the AI to work through it step by step makes it more accurate. Showing its reasoning forces it to slow down instead of blurting a guess.
You also get to check the steps. If the reasoning is visible, you can spot exactly where an answer went wrong - which is impossible when you only see the final number.
The Script (Template)
[Problem]. Think step by step and show your reasoning before giving the final answer.
Worked Example
You write
A shirt costs 40 dollars. It is discounted 25%, then a further 10% off the reduced price. What is the final price? Think step by step, then give the final answer.
AI replies (sample)
Step 1: 25% of 40 is 10, so after the first discount the price is 30. Step 2: 10% of 30 is 3, so after the second discount the price is 27. Final answer: 27 dollars.
Why it works
Asking for steps made the AI apply the second discount to the reduced price (30), not the original - the exact place people and rushed AIs get it wrong.
Do & Avoid
Tips
- Use this for maths, logic puzzles, comparisons and 'which should I choose' questions.
- If you only want the number, ask for steps first, then 'give just the final answer'.
Common Mistakes
- Trusting a one-line answer on a tricky calculation.
- Not reading the steps - they are there so you can catch errors.
Practice
- Give a two-step word problem and require visible reasoning.
- Ask a decision question ('rent or buy?') and make the AI reason before concluding.
My Practice — capture your own script
Write your own version of this lesson's script, run it in your AI chat, then paste the reply. Your work is saved on this device; use Download to keep a copy.