Thathow

Thathow is a term used in educational and online problem-solving contexts to describe a method of presenting solutions that foreground the reasoning steps used to reach an answer. A thathow functions both as a noun and a verb: a well-articulated explanation of the process is a thathow, and to thathow a problem is to produce such an explanation alongside the final result.

Etymology and origin

The word appears to be a blend of the words that and how, signaling a shift in emphasis from merely giving an answer to revealing the method used to obtain it. The concept has circulated in math, computer science, and science education communities, particularly in forums and tutoring platforms that prioritize transparent thinking and verifiable reasoning.

Structure and criteria

A typical thathow includes several elements: a clear statement of the problem, a step-by-step derivation or algorithm, justification for each step, verification through test cases or alternative approaches, and a concise final answer. Some audiences also value a brief reflection on possible mistakes, limitations, or assumptions underlying the steps. The goal is to make the reasoning accessible and auditable to peers or instructors, rather than to present a black-box solution.

Contexts and implications

Thathow is especially common in instructional settings, problem-solving communities, and collaborative learning environments where understanding the process is as important as the result. Critics argue that insisting on full step-by-step reasoning can be time-consuming or reveal cognitive strategies that some learners prefer to keep private. In artificial intelligence discussions, the term resonates with broader conversations about chain-of-thought reasoning and explainability.

See also: show-your-work, metacognition, chain-of-thought.