About this exercise
Write the formula for Gradebook!F2 (filled down) that turns the final percent in E2 into a letter grade. The department approved a curve: add the points in cell $K$1 to E2 before converting. The school scale is already typed on the tab named Scale in A2:B10, lowest score first, so look it up there with approximate match instead of writing nested IFs. Students marked EX (excused) must show EX. One formula in one code block, then under 20 words outside the code.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Not mentioning the Scale tab. The AI writes a long nested IF with typed cutoffs instead of using the scale you already keep. Try: Add: "Look up the score in Scale!$A$2:$B$10 with approximate match."
- Forgetting the curve. The AI can't know about the department's curve, so every grade is a few points low. Try: Add: "Add $K$1 to E2 before converting."
- Forgetting excused students. The AI's formula shows an error for EX. Try: Add: "If E2 is EX, show EX."
- 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 12 words. Nothing else."
What a strong prompt includes
- Points at the Scale tab
- Adds the curve
- Handles EX
- Asks for one answer only
- Limits the explanation
Related exercises
- Add a cron line that matches the others in a crontab (Coding AI · Product managers)
- Add dark mode by overriding your existing CSS variables (Coding AI · Software developers)
- Add input checks to your number guessing game (Coding AI · High school students)
- Add input validation to a Java method with exact messages (Coding AI · Software developers)
- Add labels to a signup form without rewriting the page (Coding AI · High school students)