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Set due dates five business days out, skipping holidays

Practice: Giving the right context. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Write the formula for Requests!E2 (filled down) that sets the due date 5 business days after the received date in C2, skipping weekends and the company holidays listed on the tab named Holidays in A2:A15. Rows with no received date must stay blank. One formula in one code block, then under 25 words outside the code.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Leaving "a week" vague. The AI adds 7 calendar days, which ignores weekends and holidays. Try: Add: "5 business days with WORKDAY."
  • Not pointing at the holiday list. The AI types holiday dates into the formula or skips them. Try: Add: "Holidays are on the Holidays tab, A2:A15."
  • Forgetting empty rows. A blank date turns into a due date in January 1900. Try: Add: "If C2 is empty, leave E2 blank."
  • Getting a menu of options. The AI likes to offer two or three versions of the formula, so you're left to pick and test them yourself. Try: Add: "Give one formula only, in one code block, no alternatives."
  • Getting a tutorial. By default the AI explains every part of the code at length, which you then have to scroll past. Try: Add: "After the code, one line under 10 words. Nothing else."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Says business days
  • Points at the holiday list
  • Handles blank dates
  • Asks for one answer only
  • Limits the explanation

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