Key Insights
| Basic Details | Availability |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $6.67 |
| Pricing Model | Month and Annual |
| Free Tier | Get Started |
| Equation solver | ✔ |
| Expression simplifier | ✔ |
| Limit evaluation | ✔ |
| Learning videos | ❌ |
| Saved queries | ❌ |
| Fraction reduction | ✔ |
| Graphing capabilities | ✔ |
| Physics solver | ✔ |
| Chemistry solver | ✔ |
| Practice worksheets | ✔ |
| Math glossary | ✔ |
What is Mathway?
Mathway is an online math problem solver that provides step-by-step solutions for a wide range of math topics, from basic arithmetic to calculus. It allows users to input problems through typing, handwriting, or taking a photo. The app uses technologies like Microsoft's Active Server Pages on the .NET framework for the backend, and JavaScript libraries like jQuery and MathJax on the front end.
Mathway employs lexical analysis to parse math expressions and symbolic computation to solve equations and generate explanations. The service is available through web, iOS, and Android.
Key Features
- Wide Range of Topics: Mathway covers a broad spectrum of math topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and more. This makes it a versatile tool suitable for students at various levels of their math education.
- Step-by-Step Solutions: Mathway provides detailed, step-by-step solutions to math problems. This feature helps students understand the methodology behind solving problems, which is crucial for learning and retention. However, the step-by-step solutions are only available with a paid subscription.
- Multiple Input Methods: Users can input math problems into Mathway in various ways - by typing, drawing, or even uploading a photo of the problem. This flexibility makes the app accessible and convenient for different user preferences.
- Instant Answers: Mathway delivers instant answers to math problems, which is useful for quick checks and homework help. Users can get solutions to their math queries in real time.
- Interactive Graphing: The app offers graphing capabilities, allowing users to plot equations and visualize graphical representations of solutions. This feature is particularly helpful for understanding complex concepts in subjects like algebra and calculus.
- Practice Problems: Mathway enables users to create customized practice worksheets based on specific math topics. This feature allows for targeted practice and reinforcement of concepts learned.
- Mobile and Web Accessibility: Mathway is available both as a mobile app (for iOS and Android) and a web application. This cross-platform availability ensures that users can access the tool from various devices, anytime and anywhere.
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | - Instant solutions to problems across all supported mathematical disciplines - Does not include step-by-step explanations or interactive graphing |
| Premium Plan | $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year (~$6.67/month) | - Includes all features from the Free Plan - Step-by-step explanations for all problems - Interactive graphing - Customizable practice problems |
Alternatives
1. Symbolab
Symbolab is a powerful math solver that provides step-by-step solutions for a wide range of math problems, from basic algebra to complex calculus. It offers a user-friendly interface and covers topics like trigonometry, geometry, and statistics. Symbolab is available as a web application and mobile app.
2. Photomath
Photomath is a popular mobile app that uses your smartphone's camera to scan and solve math problems instantly. It provides detailed, step-by-step explanations for each solution, making it easy to understand the problem-solving process. Photomath covers a variety of math subjects, including algebra, geometry, and calculus.
3. Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a comprehensive computational knowledge engine that can solve complex math problems, provide detailed analyses, and offer expert-level explanations. It covers a vast array of topics, from elementary math to advanced calculus, and provides interactive visualizations and graphs. Wolfram Alpha is accessible through a web interface and mobile apps.
| Feature | Mathway | Symbolab | Photomath | Wolfram Alpha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step-by-step solutions | ✓ (paid) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web interface | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Handwriting recognition | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers advanced math topics | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Graphing capabilities | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free features | Limited | Limited | ✓ | Limited |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage: Mathway covers a wide range of math topics from basic arithmetic to advanced subjects like calculus and linear algebra, making it a versatile tool for students at various levels.
- Step-by-Step Solutions: With a paid subscription, Mathway provides detailed step-by-step solutions to problems, helping users understand the problem-solving process and learn the material more effectively.
- User-Friendly Interface: Mathway has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, allowing users to input problems by typing, voice input, or even taking a picture of the equation.
- Powerful Free Version: Even without a paid subscription, the free version of Mathway is capable of solving a wide variety of math problems, making it a valuable tool for those who just need answers quickly.
Cons
- Limited Learning Potential: While Mathway provides answers and step-by-step solutions, some argue that relying too heavily on the app may hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Inconsistent Equation Recognition: Some users have reported issues with Mathway's ability to consistently recognize and solve equations from images, which may require manual input.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Mathway stands out as a robust and all-encompassing solution for solving math problems, equipped with a variety of functionalities designed to assist students, teachers, and math lovers in solving intricate issues effortlessly. Its intuitive design, detailed step-by-step guides, and capacity to address complex mathematical subjects make it an essential resource for individuals aiming to enhance their mathematical abilities or seeking prompt and dependable solutions to difficult queries.
Although a paid subscription is necessary to utilize all its capabilities, the free version still delivers a solid problem-solving experience. Despite a few drawbacks, including the possibility of misuse and occasional issues with recognizing equations, Mathway continues to be a preferred option for those in search of a reliable and efficient solution for math problems.
