💬 Everyday AI · The Lab · NBN IA

AI Course · Module 13 · Level +

Reasoning step by step

On a trick question, the AI often answers too fast… and gets it wrong. The magic fix: ask it to think out loud, step by step. Watch the difference. 👇

01-12 ✓13 · Reasoning14 · Documents
The game · fast vs step by step

The classic pen trick question

🧩 "A notebook and a pen cost €1.10 in total. The notebook costs €1 more than the pen. How much does the pen cost?"
What this teaches you

"Think step by step"

🧠 The magic phrase

Add "explain your reasoning step by step" to logic, maths, or decision questions. The AI gets it wrong far less often.

👀 Bonus: you can check

By seeing the reasoning, you immediately spot if it's heading down the wrong path — and you correct it.

Check that you got it

2 quick questions

1. For a tricky logic question, you add…

Right: making it unfold its reasoning clearly improves accuracy on maths and logic.

2. Bonus benefit of seeing the reasoning?

Right: the shown reasoning lets you check and catch a wrong path before the conclusion.

What to remember

  • "Think step by step" = fewer errors on logic, maths, decisions.
  • The shown reasoning lets you check and correct.
  • A reflex to pull out the moment a question isn't trivial.