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Decomposition

As explained in Grokking AI Applications

A problem-solving technique that divides a complex request into smaller, ordered subtasks.

Decomposition makes a complex request easier for an LLM by dividing it into smaller, ordered subtasks. section 3.2

Use decomposition to turn a broad request into a structured workflow:

Business-plan request

Replace “Help me create a business plan” with “List the key sections of a business plan. Then, outline the goals for each section.” The narrower sequence reduces confusion and encourages a structured response. section 3.2

How Grokking AI Applications covers it

How deep it goes
Defines the technique and demonstrates one business-plan prompt, then connects it to step-by-step reasoning.
Examples
Uses a business-plan request that first lists sections and then outlines each section’s goals.
What it assumes
Assumes access to an LLM-based assistant and basic ability to express a requested outcome.
What you can do after
Apply it via an LLM-based assistant to convert broad requests into clearer, sequential prompts.
How it connects
Connects decomposition with prompting, Chain of Thought, self-validation, and large language models.

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This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Grokking AI Applications. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.