Show that a margin drop comes from product mix, not rates

About this exercise

You're explaining a change in blended gross margin. Write a prompt for plain text with lines starting "Q2 blended:", "Q3 blended:", "Change:" and "Cause:". Each blended line shows the weighted math, to one decimal. The Cause line says in one sentence whether the change comes from mix or from product margins. Don't mention pricing rumors or competitors anywhere. Under 70 words. No bullets or numbering.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Blaming pricing. The AI repeats the competitor price-cut story. Try: Add: "Do not mention competitors, pricing or rumors."
• Simple average of margins. The AI averages 60% and 40% for both quarters and shows no change. Try: Say: "Blended = sum of share x product margin."
• Vague cause. The AI says 'various factors'. Try: Add: "Cause: one sentence saying whether it is mix or product margins."
• Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

• Names the four lines
• Gives the weighted formula
• Asks for mix or margins
• Bans rumors
• Caps length

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