Stuck on a problem: get just the answer, or the steps? — Study helper
Problems you'll meet again: get the steps. Problems you won't: get the answer.
1 · Think first
When you ask AI about schoolwork, first decide whether you want just the answer or the steps. Ask the same question either way, and what comes back is completely different.
There's one rule for choosing — will I have to do this on my own later? If you'll have to do it yourself, get the steps. If you just need to know whether you got it right, get the answer.
Bonus: making AI go step by step helps AI solve better too. A 2022 study found that adding one line — "Let's think step by step" — made AI get a lot more math problems right.
2 · Experiment · Pick one
Try it — In this situation: answer or steps?
Here are six situations. For each one, pick whether it's better to get just the answer or have the steps explained. You'll be scored as soon as you pick.
Before you pick, ask yourself: will I have to do this on my own later?
Figure
Getting the answer vs getting the steps
It's not good vs bad — they're for different moments.
3 · Quiz
Quick check
Three questions. Pick an answer and it's marked right away, with the reason why.
Today in one line
Today in one line
Problems you'll meet again: get the steps.
Problems you won't: get the answer.
Learn more
- The 2022 paper that found adding "Let's think step by step" made AI's math accuracy jump — Large Language Models are Zero-Shot Reasoners (2022)
- A study showing it works better to check every step of a solution, not just the final answer — and that's just as true for how people study — Let's Verify Step by Step (2023)