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Trace a recursive function one call per line

Practice: Asking for a format you can use. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

You're reviewing recursion for your CS 1 midterm and want to see every call of sum_digits(4096). Ask for exactly 5 numbered lines, one per call, each in the form 'sum_digits(4096) = 6 + sum_digits(409)', with the base case as line 5, then one last unnumbered line 'Total: N'. No code blocks and under 70 words in total.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Getting a paragraph. Asked to explain, the AI writes a general essay on recursion instead of the trace you need. Try: Say: "Exactly 5 numbered lines, one per call."
  • Not showing the line shape. Without an example, the AI mixes words and math and skips the 0 digit. Try: Show it: "Format each like: 1. sum_digits(4096) = 6 + sum_digits(409)".
  • Forgetting the base case. The AI may stop at sum_digits(4) and jump to the answer. Try: Add: "Line 5 is the base case sum_digits(0) = 0."
  • No clean ending. The AI adds a recap or a code block with the function again. Try: Add: "Then one last line: Total: N. No code, nothing else."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Sets the number of lines
  • Shows the line shape
  • Asks for the base case
  • Asks for a total line
  • Rules out code and extras

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