Write a restatement note after a customer-count definition change

About this exercise

The company now counts only paying accounts as customers and the board needs a restatement note. Write exactly 4 labeled lines in plain text, under 100 words: What changed, Numbers, Trend and Use. Show both bases for Q3, give the growth rate each quarter on the new basis, and tell readers to compare only restated figures.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Showing only the new basis. The AI drops the old 12,400 figure so readers can't see the change. Try: Add: "Numbers: 8,100 new basis vs 12,400 old basis."
• Missing the growth rates. The AI says growth 'slowed' without the percents. Try: Add: "Trend: 8.6% in Q2, 6.6% in Q3; old-basis Q3 was 10.7%."
• No usage rule. The AI doesn't warn against mixing bases. Try: Add: "Use: compare only restated figures."
• Leaving the format to chance. The AI picks its own length and layout unless told the exact shape. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold or headings."
• 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 part instead, for example "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

• Gives the four labels
• Gives both bases
• Gives the growth rates
• Asks for the usage rule
• Rules out extras

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