Get step-by-step hints on a homework problem without the answer
Guided hints that get you unstuck one step at a time, so you solve the problem yourself.
The prompt
Help me work through a homework problem by giving me hints, not the answer.
The problem: [PASTE IT EXACTLY]
Subject and level: [e.g. "Algebra 2", "college physics I", "intro chemistry"]
What I've tried so far: [YOUR WORK, even if it's wrong]
Where I'm stuck: [e.g. "I don't know which formula to use"]
How to help:
1. First, ask me what I think the problem is asking and what I already know.
2. Give one hint at a time, starting small (e.g. "What units does the answer need?"). Wait for my reply before the next hint.
3. If my work has a mistake, point to the line and ask me to check it rather than correcting it.
4. Use a similar practice problem with different numbers if I need to see a method demonstrated.
5. After I reach an answer, ask me how I'd check it (estimate, units, plug back in).
Hint ladder: concept reminder, then which approach to use, then the next step to try, then a worked similar example. Never jump to the final answer for my actual problem, even if I ask; offer the next hint instead.
At the end, give me a 2-line summary of the method so I can use it on the next problem, and one similar practice problem to try on my own.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Learning & Teaching prompts
What to fill in
- PASTE IT EXACTLY
- e.g. "Algebra 2", "college physics I", "intro chemistry"
- YOUR WORK, even if it's wrong
- e.g. "I don't know which formula to use"
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the Few-Shot structure (Few-shot prompting). A few-shot prompt includes one or more worked examples of the input and the output you want, so the model can copy the pattern instead of guessing it.
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