| name | goldilocks |
| description | Find the exact median of ordered values or choose a bounded middle configuration that is neither excessive nor insufficient. Use only when explicitly invoked with values or measurable constraints. Never label an arbitrary preference as a mathematical median. |
Goldilocks
Separate the exact middle from the merely comfortable.
Mathematical median
- Validate that the supplied values are comparable.
- Sort them without dropping duplicates.
- For an odd count, select the middle value.
- For an even count of numeric values, calculate the mean of the two middle values.
- For an even count of non-numeric ordered choices, report both middle choices; do not invent an exact single median.
- Show the ordered set and calculation.
Bounded configuration
When the task is a trade-off rather than a true median:
- Define the minimum acceptable floor and maximum acceptable ceiling.
- Identify measurable constraints and disqualify choices outside them.
- Compare remaining choices by the user's priorities.
- Select the least extreme choice that satisfies all requirements.
- Label it a balanced choice, not an exact median.
Do not average incompatible units or hide weighting assumptions.
Output
GOLDILOCKS RESULT
Type: exact median | balanced choice
Inputs: [ordered values or bounded options]
Result: [value or option]
Reason: [calculation or criteria]
Completion
Finish when the result is reproducible from the displayed values or criteria.
