While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is one of the most widely known AI tools, there are numerous other platforms that students can use to improve their math skills.
I tested seven AI tools on two common math problems so you know what to expect from each platform and how to use each of them.
The Test Questions
I used two math problems to test each tool and standardize the inputs.
- Solve for b: (2 / (b – 3)) – (6 / (2b + 1)) = 4
- Simplify the expression: (4 / 12) + (9 / 8) x (15 / 3) – (26 / 10)
These two problems give each AI tool a chance to show reasoning, problem-solving, accuracy, and how it can guide a learner through the process.
Thetawise
Thetawise provides more than simple answers; you can also opt to have the AI model tutor you by sharing a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the solution. Using the platform is fairly straightforward, given that all you need to do is navigate to the platform and key in the math problem at hand. Alternatively, you can even upload a photo of the math problem onto the platform, and the AI will analyze the image and provide you with an answer.
Problem 1
The AI platform gave us a step-by-step breakdown of the problem:
It resulted in the answer:
Problem 2
While the answer is correct, the tool also provides further options for students to generate a more detailed breakdown of the steps or ask more specific questions.
WolframAlpha
WolframAlpha is an AI tool capable of solving advanced arithmetic, calculus, and algebra equations. While WolframAlpha’s free version provides you with a direct answer, the paid version of the tool generates step-by-step solutions. If you want to make the best use of WolframAlpha’s capabilities, you can sign up for the Pro version, which costs $5 per month for the annual plan if you’re a student.
Problem 1
Problem 2
As expected, Wolfram Alpha solved both problems, showcasing its ability to handle different problems and provide precise answers quickly.
Julius
Julius works pretty similarly to the other AI tools on this list. That said, the highlight of this platform is that it has a built-in community forum, which users can use to discuss their prompts, results, or even issues they might be facing with the platform. Its active user base helps you quickly exchange ideas and receive feedback or advice. The platform’s default version uses a combination of GPT-4 and Calude-3, based on whichever model best suits the prompt you input.
We tested the platform’s accuracy by submitting the same problems that we did with the other AI tools. When submitting your prompt, you have the option of typing your question or uploading an image or a Google Sheet.
Problem 1
Problem 2
Julius provided correct solutions and offered options to help users verify the solution.
Microsoft MathSolver
One of the oldest AI platforms, Microsoft’s MathSolver is a great option if you want a tool capable of providing free step-by-step solutions to calculus, algebra, and other math problems. Here’s how it fared when we submitted our math problems.
Problem 1
Problem 2
Microsoft’s MathSolver provided the correct answers, and you can view the steps to the solution, take a quiz, solve similar problems, and more. This can be a great way to practice and perfect your understanding of different concepts.
Symbolab
Symbolab allows you to practice your math skills via quizzes, track your progress, and provide solutions to mathematical problems of different types, including calculus, fractions, trigonometry, and more. You can also use the Digital Notebook feature to keep track of any math problems you solve and share them with your friends. Another highlight of this platform is that educators can use the tool to create a virtual classroom, generate assessments, and share feedback, among other things.
Problem 1
Problem 2
The platform not only displays the answer but also lets you view a breakdown of the steps involved in solving the problem. You can also share the answers and steps via email or social media or print them for reference.
Claude
Anthropic launched its Claude 3 AI models in March 2024. Anthropic stated that Claude Opus, the most advanced Claude 3 model, outperforms comparable AI tools on most benchmarks for AI systems, including basic mathematics, undergraduate-level expert knowledge, and graduate-level expert reasoning. To test the platform’s accuracy and ease of use, we submitted our two math problems. Here’s how the platform performed:
Problem 1
While Claude initially got the answer wrong, probing it and requesting further clarification led to a correct solution.
Remember that we used the free version of Claude to solve this problem; subscribing to Opus (its more advanced model) is recommended if you want to take advantage of Claude’s more advanced problem-solving capabilities.
Problem 2
Given that Claude got the previous problem wrong, our second, more basic fraction-based problem will indicate if the AI’s performance was an anomaly or part of a consistent pattern.
As you can see, Claude correctly solved this problem and provided a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how it arrived at the answer.
ChatGPT-4o
GPT-4 can solve problems with far greater accuracy than its predecessor, GPT-3.5. If you’re using the free version of ChatGPT, you’ll likely only have access to GPT 3.5 and GPT-4o. However, for $20 per month, you can subscribe to the Plus model, which gives you access to GPT-4 and allows you to input five times the number of messages per day compared to the free version. That said, let’s check how it performs with math problems.
Problem 1
Problem 2
In both cases, GPT-4o provided the correct answer with a detailed breakdown of the steps. While the platform is free, unlike other models, it does not have a quiz feature or a community forum.
These AI tools offer unique features and capabilities that make them a good option for math problems. Ultimately, the best way to pick a tool is by testing different models to determine which platform best fits your preferences and learning needs.