Case Study: GitHub Copilot and the deceiving ladder

The author shares their experience of using GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant, to solve a mathematical problem involving a ladder and a cube, highlighting both its capabilities and limitations. Initially impressed with Copilot’s ability to generate code, the author finds that its suggested solution to the problem is incorrect due to a misunderstanding of the underlying geometry, underscoring the importance of human oversight in AI-generated outputs. Through a detailed exploration, the author derives a more accurate solution manually and subsequently uses Copilot to solve the derived equation, demonstrating that while Copilot excels at routine tasks and known algorithms, it struggles with novel problems requiring deeper understanding. This case study illustrates Copilot’s utility in boosting productivity for straightforward coding tasks but also emphasizes the need for developers to critically evaluate AI outputs and understand the problem at hand. The author also briefly compares Copilot to ChatGPT, noting similar challenges in solving unique problems, thereby advocating for cautious use of AI tools in complex problem-solving scenarios.