Explain a budget sheet's formulas in plain words

About this exercise

Dmitri left, and the new program coordinator, Lucy, now owns his budget tracker. She has never used spreadsheet formulas. Write exactly 4 numbered lines, one per formula, each one sentence under 20 words using column names (no cell letters or function names). Then one unnumbered last line starting "Problem:" if any formula doesn't cover all the data. Plain text, under 110 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Not saying who reads it. The AI explains SUMIF syntax and cell ranges that mean nothing to Lucy. Try: Add: "She's never used formulas. Use column names, no cell letters or function names."
• Not asking it to check the ranges. The AI explains the travel total without noticing it skips the last row. Try: Add: "Check each formula covers rows 2 to 13; flag any that don't."
• Leaving the shape open. The AI writes a tutorial with headings and code blocks. Try: Say: "Exactly 4 numbered lines, one sentence each, then one Problem: line."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each line: "each line one sentence under 20 words."
• Forgetting where it goes. AI loves markdown tables and bold, which show up as clutter in a handoff doc. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, headings or tables."

What a strong prompt includes

• Says who reads it
• Bans cell letters
• Asks to check the ranges
• Sets a word limit
• Asks for plain text

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