Run a three-way match and recommend hold or release

About this exercise

You're an AP clerk with one invoice to check. Write a prompt for four plain-text lines starting "Quantity:", "Price:", "Amount:" and "Recommendation:". Each of the first three shows the math. The recommendation is exactly HOLD or RELEASE: our rule is to release only if billed quantity equals received quantity and the unit price is within 2% of the PO price. Under 90 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Matching to the PO only. The AI checks invoice against PO and ignores the 90 received. Try: Add: "Compare billed quantity to received quantity, not just ordered."
• Accepting the vendor note. The AI treats the price increase note as valid and passes the price. Try: Say: "Price must be within 2% of the PO price; a vendor note isn't an amendment."
• Hedged verdict. The AI says 'consider a partial payment' instead of one word. Try: Ask for "Recommendation: HOLD or RELEASE, pick one".
• Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

• Names the four lines
• States the release rule
• Asks for math
• Limits the verdict
• Caps length

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