Students · The RAFT Framework for Ethical AI Use
A quantitative problem
See how independent thinking, bounded AI assistance, verification, and your own decisions fit together in three different assignments.
A quantitative problem
Task: find the break-even sales volume for a student fundraiser and explain your reasoning. AI may ask tutoring questions, but the model and calculations must be yours.
R Research Independently First
You first calculate 120 ÷ 8 = 15 items. Before asking for help, write down what the 8 represents and why you used it. Your uncertainty is whether the $3 cost matters.
A Augment Your Work
You ask: “Here is my attempt. Ask one question that helps me check the model. Do not calculate the answer.” AI asks how much each sale contributes after paying its variable cost.
F Fact-Check Everything
You use the original data and calculate $8 − $3 = $5 per item toward fixed costs. Break-even is $120 ÷ $5 = 24 items. You check the result without AI.
| Items sold | Revenue | Total cost | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | $184 | $189 | −$5 |
| 24 | $192 | $192 | $0 |
| 25 | $200 | $195 | $5 |
T Transform Into Your Own Work
You explain: “Profit is 8q − (120 + 3q), or 5q − 120. At 24 items, revenue covers all modeled costs. My first attempt ignored the variable cost. This answer depends on the stated assumptions.”
Retain: the initial attempt, corrected model, and boundary check. A correct number alone does not show that you understand the model.
Open resource · No email required
By Dr. Chase Cookson · v2.1 (009019026)
Course, assignment, and institutional rules take priority.