Step 1 of a Mathematician Persona's Reasoning Process: Problem Interpretation

A user is attempting to have a language model solve a complex, multi-step physics problem that requires deriving a formula and then applying it. The user provides the following instruction: "Solve the problem below. {problem}". The model provides an incorrect final answer with flawed reasoning. Based on the structure of the instruction, what is the most likely reason for the model's failure?

Choosing the Right Prompt for the Job

The following prompt is an example of a direct instruction format for a mathematical challenge: 'Carefully read the math problem below. First, identify all the variables and their given values. Second, outline the step-by-step plan you will use to solve it. Finally, execute your plan and state the final answer. {problem}'