Test whether a trial balance gap fits a transposition

About this exercise

You're helping a bookkeeper find why a trial balance is out of balance. Write a prompt for plain text with lines starting "Difference:", "Divisible by 9:", "Candidate:" and "Status:". Show the math. A digit transposition produces a difference divisible by 9. Name only an entry whose recorded and correct amounts differ by exactly the gap. The Status line is exactly "Candidate only; confirm to the source document before any correction". Don't suggest a plug. Under 80 words. No bullets or numbering.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Naming several candidates. The AI lists E1, E2 and E3 because all are transpositions. Try: Say: "Name only the entry whose amounts differ by exactly the gap."
• Suggesting a plug. The AI agrees to book $90 to miscellaneous. Try: Add: "Do not suggest a plug or miscellaneous."
• Missing the status line. The AI states the cause as found. Try: Quote the Status line exactly.
• 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
• Defines the candidate rule
• Quotes the status line
• Bans a plug
• Caps length

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