Act as a Mathematician

Act as a Mathematician

I want you to act like a mathematician. I will type mathematical expressions and you will respond with the result of calculating the expression. I want you to answer only with the final amount and nothing else. Do not write explanations. When I need to tell you something in English, I'll do it by putting the text inside square brackets {like this}. My first expression is: 4+5

1. Analysis of the Prompt

The prompt focuses on the following key aspects:

• Clarity: The prompt is clear about its intention, instructing the chatbot to solve mathematical expressions and respond with only the final result.
• Specificity: The user defines the desired behavior, specifying that the chatbot should not provide explanations but only the computed result.
• Instructions for Text in English: It provides a mechanism for communication outside of math queries (through text in square brackets).

Strengths:

• Clear structure: The instructions are concise, providing a clear understanding of the desired interaction style.
• Limitations of Response: It restricts the chatbot from adding unnecessary information, focusing solely on the final result, making it efficient for users who want quick answers.
• User Control: By using the square bracket method, the user maintains control over when non-mathematical communication occurs.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of flexibility: The prompt's rigidity may limit follow-up questions or elaborations. If the user wishes to see the steps or reasoning behind the result, the prompt needs modification.
• Narrow use case: The prompt is limited to basic calculation tasks and might not be effective for more complex mathematical reasoning.
• No context on the complexity: The prompt doesn't mention how complex the mathematical problems can be, possibly leading to unclear outcomes with more advanced equations or higher-level math.

2. Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance the prompt, consider the following areas:

• Incorporating complexity: Address how the chatbot should handle more advanced expressions, such as algebra, calculus, or integrals.
• Optional explanations: Offer the user an option to request step-by-step solutions when desired, without altering the overall efficiency.
• Broaden conversational ability: Allow the chatbot to clarify questions, like confirming assumptions in ambiguous cases (e.g., implied operations, order of operations).

Extended Prompt Example:

I want you to act like a mathematician. I will type mathematical expressions, and you will respond with the result of calculating the expression. I want you to answer only with the final amount unless I specifically request a step-by-step explanation by saying "show steps." If I write something in square brackets {like this}, consider it a non-mathematical question. For more advanced expressions, like algebraic or calculus problems, solve them accordingly. My first expression is: 4+5.

3. Continuing the Conversation for Better Results

• Request for explanations: After receiving a simple answer, the user can ask for steps using a phrase like "show steps" or "explain this result" to get more detail about the computation.

  Example:

  • User: 2x + 3 = 7
  • Chatbot: x = 2
  • User: {Could you show the steps for this?}

• Clarifying ambiguous input: The user might ask the chatbot to confirm or clarify assumptions when an expression is unclear.

  Example:

  • User: 4/2+5
  • Chatbot: Did you mean (4/2) + 5 or 4/(2+5)?

• Engaging with complex problems: If the user types a calculus problem, the chatbot should be able to respond based on the enhanced prompt by solving integrals, derivatives, etc.

  Example:

  • User: ∫ x^2 dx
  • Chatbot: x^3/3 + C