Top 10 AI Tools to Solve Math Problems

When the calculators first came in the 1900s, there was a panic that they would disrupt how students learned mathematics. The main concern was that there would be a compromise on the quality of learning as students would use calculators to solve problems instead of doing them on their own.

Today, calculators have improved our learning experience with mathematics.

We have a good reason to believe that AI will help in the same way. Although there is a panic now about the danger AI poses to education, we can say, it will improve our learning experiences. With advent of AI now, solving complex math problems has become more accessible.

Read also: How to Make Money Using AI as a Student in 2024

Here are some of the best AI tools for math problems with ease:

1. Photomath

Photomath is an app that helps you solve math problems using your phone’s camera. You can scan a problem, and the app will provide step-by-step explanations. Photomath can solve almost any topic in mathematics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

It’s designed to be a learning tool, helping you understand the “how” and “why” behind each step of the solution. The app is available for free, with additional features offered in a paid subscription. If you’re struggling with a math problem, Photomath can be a handy resource to guide you toward the solution.

Pros:

• Provides animated instructions for solving problems.
• Covers a wide range of math topics.

Cons:

• Limited to math problems only.
• Advanced solutions require a subscription.

Pricing: Free basic version, subscription-based Photomath Plus.

2. Socratic

Most of you should already know of this AI tool to for solving math problems. It is very helpful for doing assignments and homework. Guess what? Socratic can be used by both high school and university students. Even lower levels can find Socratic helpful in their day-to-day study.

It offers explanations, videos, and step-by-step guides to assist in learning and understanding various concepts. Socratic has a strong text-recognition technology. This means that you can take a photo of your homework question, upload them to the app, and get answers and explanations.

It’s a great tool for students who need help outside of the classroom and want to improve their understanding of math and other subjects. The explanations it gives catch every detail you can think of.

Pros:

• Step-by-step solutions with visual aids.
• Covers various topics including algebra and calculus.

Cons:

• Some explanations may be too simplified.
• Limited functionality for advanced topics.

Pricing: Free.

3. Mathway

I have personally been using Mathway to get started with solving problems in math for a long time now. I strongly recommend it for students doing calculus, algebra, and geometry.

Mathway offers a variety of mathematical problem-solving tools. I have been using it to help me with basic math, pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, and statistics. But it can do more than that. Just check it out and see if the topic you are studying can be solved by its tools. And I bet it can.

Another good thing with Mathway is that it has a feature for users to get assistance from live experts. It also a math calculator that can evaluate expressions down to a final solution.

Pros:

• Quick solutions to a wide range of problems.
• Intuitive interface.

Cons:

• Detailed solutions may require a subscription.

Pricing: Free basic use, subscription for step-by-step solutions.

4. Wolfram Alpha

Wolfram Alpha is another one among the AI tools for solving math problems. It is a computational knowledge engine that provides expert-level answers and step-by-step solutions across a wide range of subjects.

It’s powered by the Wolfram Language and utilizes a vast knowledgebase to answer queries in mathematics, science, engineering, and many other fields.

It’s particularly known for its ability to handle complex mathematical problems and provide clear, detailed solutions. Wolfram Alpha is reliable and has precise computation capabilities.

Pros:

• Comprehensive solutions for complex problems.
• Extensive database of information.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Full access requires a subscription.

Pricing: Free basic use, Pro version available.

5. Maple Calculator

The Maple Calculator is a versatile math solver and educational tool that boasts a range of features to assist users with their mathematical queries. It’s capable of solving a variety of math problems, from simple arithmetic to complex university-level equations.

You can receive step-by-step solutions to understand the methodology behind the answers. The app also features graphing capabilities, allowing users to visualize functions in both two and three dimensions.

One of the standout features of Maple Calculator is its ability to function offline, particularly its graphing calculator, ensuring that users have access to its features without needing an internet connection.

The app accepts both handwritten and typeset math input, making it user-friendly for entering complex equations. It also integrates with Maple Learn. This provide a platform for users to identify errors in their handwritten solutions, learn concepts detail, and share their work with others.

For those moments when users need a break from studying, the app includes a puzzle game called Sumzle, which offers a fun and engaging way to challenge one’s mind. The app supports multiple languages. This is good for those who are not from English-speaking countries.

As part of the Maple Math Suite, Maple Calculator is backed by the powerful Maple mathematics engine. This ensures reliable and accurate computations for all users, whether they’re students, educators, or just math enthusiasts.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Supports a wide range of mathematical functions.

Cons:

• Some features may require payment.

Pricing: Free basic use, additional features may be paid.

6. CameraMath

CameraMath is an advanced math-solving app that offers instant solutions to a broad spectrum of mathematical problems. It’s designed to help students from elementary to college level. The app is particularly effective at deciphering and solving complex word problems, which are often a stumbling block for learners.

CameraMath doesn’t just stop at providing one way to solve a problem; it presents multiple methods. This enables you to comprehensively grasp mathematical concepts.

For those seeking personalized help, CameraMath connects users with expert tutors who are available around the clock. Help is always at hand, no matter the time or place. The app’s coverage is extensive, encompassing everything from basic arithmetic to calculus.

Besides solving problems for you, CameraMath provides learning materials and a math bank. You get to have a wealth of problems and solutions for users to study and practice. This makes it very resourceful for homework assistance and exam preparation.

Pros:

• Instant solutions with photo scanning.
• User-friendly for students.

Cons:

• May not cover all math topics in depth.

Pricing: Free basic use, premium features available.

7. Microsoft Math Solver

Microsoft Math Solver is an app that serves as a comprehensive companion for solving mathematical and scientific problems. It’s equipped to handle a variety of math domains such as algebra, calculus, and trigonometry. The app shines with its step-by-step solutions.

It also features a graphing tool, which is particularly useful for visualizing equations and understanding the relationship between different variables. To support learning, Microsoft Math Solver provides additional resources like worksheets and video tutorials. It’s multilingual, so it is good for users from different linguistic backgrounds. The interface is designed for ease, allowing problems to be typed or scanned using the camera.

Pros:

Wide range of math topics covered.

Interactive solutions and explanations.

Cons:

Some advanced features may require payment.

Pricing: Free.

8. Symbolab

I first discovered Sambolab in 2022. Until today, I have never stopped using it. To be honest, I have never encountered a mistake since I started using this tool.

Symbolab’s platform allows users to input equations, expressions, or word problems and receive detailed solutions, complete with graphs and explanations. It also offers a variety of calculators for different math subjects. Additionally, Symbolab includes practice features and personalized exercises to help users improve their math skills.

Pros:

• Detailed explanations for solutions.
• Covers a wide range of math topics.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are behind a paywall.

Pricing: Free basic use, subscription for advanced features.

9. Quickmath

Quickmath is an online platform that simplifies the process of solving mathematical problems for students at high school and college levels. It’s a versatile tool that tackles a variety of mathematical challenges across subjects like algebra, calculus, and more. With Quickmath, users can expand, factor, or simplify expressions, solve equations or systems of equations, and even handle inequalities.

It also offers capabilities in calculus, such as differentiation and integration, and allows for manipulation of matrices and plotting of graphs. The platform is designed to provide instant solutions and explanations, making it an indispensable resource for those looking to enhance their math skills and understanding.

Pros:

• Fast and accurate solutions.
• Easy to use interface.

Cons:

• May not provide in-depth explanations for all problems.

Pricing: Free.

10. Mathpix

Mathpix is a cutting-edge app that revolutionizes the way we interact with mathematical and scientific content. It’s an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tool that can accurately recognize and convert images of handwritten or typed math, chemistry equations, tables, and even entire PDF documents into a variety of formats like LaTeX, Markdown, and more. This makes it incredibly useful for students, educators, and researchers who often work with complex scientific materials.

The app’s Snipping Tool feature allows users to quickly capture content from their screens and convert it into editable text, which can be pasted into LaTeX editors, word processors, and other applications. Mathpix also offers a high-volume document conversion service, making it a valuable asset for developers looking to integrate OCR capabilities into their apps and for enterprises in need of converting large libraries of documents into machine-readable text.

Mathpix’s technology is praised for its accuracy and speed, particularly when converting PDFs to LaTeX or Markdown, and it’s recognized for its ability to handle pages from books and handwritten notes with ease. The app supports multiple platforms, including macOS, Windows, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.

Pros:

• High accuracy in recognizing handwritten problems.
• Provides step-by-step solutions.

Cons:

Advanced solutions may require a subscription.

Pricing: Free basic use, subscription for advanced features.

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One of the key advantages of using AI tools in math problem solving is the speed and accuracy they offer. These tools can quickly analyze and compute complex equations that would take humans significantly longer to solve manually. This not only saves time but also ensures more precise results, reducing the chances of human error. It is important to note that AI tools should not be seen as a replacement for human expertise and intuition. While they excel in computational tasks, they lack the ability to think critically and provide context-specific insights. Human mathematicians and engineers still play a vital role in problem-solving.