Finally Solving Complex Logic Puzzles with ChatGPT Prompting

Table of Contents

• The Challenge of Getting ChatGPT to Solve Logic Puzzles
• Crafting a Prompt Sequence for Logical Problem Solving
• Testing the New Prompt on the Jug Problem
• A Reliable Prompt for Solving Logic Puzzles

The Challenge of Getting ChatGPT to Solve Logic Puzzles Using Simple and Logical Reasoning

ChatGPT has shown impressive capabilities in generating human-like text on a wide range of topics. However, when it comes to solving logic puzzles and problems, ChatGPT often struggles to provide simple, logical solutions that a human would easily recognize.

In many cases, ChatGPT will provide unnecessarily complex, multi-step processes to arrive at the solution. This indicates limitations in its reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

ChatGPT Providing Overly Complex Solutions

A clear example of this issue is the simple 'water jug problem' that involves measuring a specific amount of water using jugs of different sizes. When prompted with this puzzle, ChatGPT comes up with a complicated, multi-step process instead of the obvious one-step solution. For instance, when asked to measure 6 liters using a 12 liter jug and 6 liter jug, ChatGPT suggests filling each jug in different sequences and pouring between them. The simple solution that humans intuitively see is to just fill the 6 liter jug.

The Simple Jug Problem Example

I tested ChatGPT on the classic puzzle involving a 3 liter jug and 6 liter jug, asking it to measure out 6 liters. Rather than stating the simple solution of filling the 6 liter jug, ChatGPT suggested using a 12 liter jug and 6 liter jug, then filling and pouring between them in multiple steps. This demonstrates the limitation in ChatGPT's logical reasoning capabilities and its tendency to overcomplicate simple problems rather than provide intuitive solutions.

Crafting a Prompt Sequence for Logical Problem Solving

To address this issue and train ChatGPT to provide simple, logical solutions to problems, I researched and tested different prompt formulations. The key steps in the approach I developed are:

First, establish a clear 'system' and 'persona' for ChatGPT focused on logical reasoning and breaking down complex problems. This primes it to approach problems methodically.

Next, state the specific logic puzzle or problem such as the water jug example. Then directly ask for logical, real world solutions starting from simplest to more complex.

Following each solution, have ChatGPT evaluate and rank them based on criteria like logic, simplicity, and applicability to the original problem. This identifies the optimal solution.

Finally, remove any inapplicable solutions and present only the best answer along with an explanation of the reasoning and ranking criteria used.

Testing the New Prompt on the Jug Problem

With this new prompt sequence, I tested ChatGPT again on the 3 liter and 6 liter jug puzzle. The results were dramatically improved compared to its original response.

By having ChatGPT methodically consider simpler solutions first, then score and filter them, the obvious fill the 6 liter jug answer was identified as the optimal strategy in a very clear format.

Scoring and Ranking the Solutions

With the new prompt, ChatGPT generated 3 possible solutions to the jug problem. It then evaluated them based on the criteria of logic, simplicity, and time. The filling the 6 liter jug solution scored 10/10 on logic and time, correctly identifying it as optimal.

Removing Inapplicable Solutions

ChatGPT also filtered out one solution that involved using an additional 12 liter jug, since this introduced constraints not in the original problem. This helped refine the solutions down to only applicable ones.

Presenting the Optimal Solution

The final step had ChatGPT present the best solution along with an explanation of why it scored highest based on the defined criteria. This provided a clean, logical answer to the original puzzle.

A Reliable Prompt for Solving Logic Puzzles

After extensive testing and iterations, the prompt sequence I developed seems highly effective at guiding ChatGPT to solve logic problems simply and intuitively like a human.

By clearly defining a methodology focused on logical reasoning principles and having ChatGPT evaluate and filter solutions, it can overcome its tendency to provide overly complex answers.

While the AI still has limitations, this prompt helps tap into its capabilities to break down problems methodically. This provides a framework to improve its logical reasoning that can apply to many types of logic puzzles and situations.

FAQ

Q: Why was ChatGPT providing illogical solutions to logic puzzles?
A: ChatGPT was constrained by its training data, lacking real-world reasoning ability. The model gave overly complex solutions.

Q: How can the prompt sequence enhance ChatGPT's logic skills?
A: By giving ChatGPT a specific persona and objective for logical problem solving, it focuses the model on simple, real-world solutions.

Q: What was the key to getting the right solution for the jug problem?
A: Scoring and ranking each solution forced ChatGPT to recognize the most straightforward real-world answer.

Q: Does this prompt work for other logic puzzles?
A: Yes, the systematic prompting approach helps ChatGPT break down and solve a wide range of logic puzzles.

Q: Where can I get this prompt sequence to try?
A: The full prompt sequence is available in the video description and pinned comment for anyone to test out.