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Explain an extra charge after an upgrade with simple math
Practice: Showing an example of what you want. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
A customer asked why she was charged an extra $10 after upgrading. Explain it in under 70 words. The first sentence says what the $10 is for, then show the math on its own line in the form '$50 - $30 = $20 x 15/30 days = $10', then say what her normal charge will be from the next billing date. No billing jargon ('prorate', 'proration', 'pro-rata', 'billing cycle'). Write a prompt that gets that reply.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 70 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "3 sentences plus one math line, each under 16 words."
- Burying the answer. AI replies start with "Great question!" and explain policy before saying it isn't a mistake. Try: Say it: "Sentence 1: the $10 covers your Team upgrade for the rest of November."
- Explaining without numbers. The AI says "you were charged a partial amount" and skips the math, or uses the old $45 price. Try: Add: "Show the math: $50 - $30 = $20 x 15/30 days = $10. Next charge $50 on Dec 1."
- Billing jargon. AI explains with "prorated charges" and "billing cycle", which is why customers ask in the first place. Try: Ban them: "No prorate, proration, pro-rata or billing cycle."
What a strong prompt includes
- Sets a word limit
- Leads with the answer
- Shows the math
- Gives the next charge
- Bans jargon
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