Library › Data AI › Parents and households
Split a shared cabin trip with kids counting as half
Practice: Giving the right context. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
You're splitting a cabin weekend with the Rivera family. You agreed adults count as 1 share and kids as half a share. Write exactly 3 numbered lines: 1) cost per share = total ÷ shares, 2) your family's cost, 3) the Riveras' cost, each with the math. Plain text, under 60 words, nothing else.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Not giving the share rule. The AI splits per family or per head, so kids count as adults. Try: Add: "Adults are 1 share, kids are half."
- Not asking to see the work. The other family will want to check it. Try: Add a line to copy: "1. Per share: $1,430 ÷ 5.5 = $260"
- 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 under 12 words."
- Forgetting where it goes. AI loves markdown tables and bold, which show up as clutter in a group text with the other family. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, headings or tables."
What a strong prompt includes
- Gives the share rule
- Asks to show the math
- Includes groceries
- Sets a word limit
- Asks for plain text
Related exercises
- Announce a hybrid work policy change with clear actions (Writing AI · HR and recruiting)
- Announce a new weekend rotation in three clear rules (Productivity AI · Managers and team leads)
- Announce a promotion with the right date and no pay details (Writing AI · HR and recruiting)
- Announce a team change and answer the first question (Writing AI · Managers and team leads)
- Answer a showing request for a home that's under contract (Writing AI · Real estate agents)