Photomath Vs. Mathway: Online Math Tutor Reviews Apps that Do Your Math Homework
TLDRIn this video, math tutor Clara Tong reviews two popular math-solving apps: Photomath and Mathway. She compares their free versions, discussing how well they help students learn math and solve problems. While Photomath provides step-by-step solutions, Mathway offers general guidance but lacks detailed explanations. Clara emphasizes that while these apps can be useful for homework and checking answers, they don't foster deep understanding. She highlights the importance of problem-solving skills for building math comprehension and confidence, concluding that technology should support learning, not replace critical thinking.
Takeaways
- 📚 Clara Tong, an online math tutor, reviews Photomath and Mathway, two popular math problem-solving apps.
- 🔍 Photomath claims to enhance students' comprehension and confidence in math, while Mathway positions itself as a top math problem solver.
- 📱 Clara tests both apps' free versions to determine if they truly aid in learning math and which is more useful.
- 📐 Photomath recognizes handwriting and suggests using a trigonometric value table or unit circle for solving trigonometry problems, but detailed tables are only available in the paid version.
- 🧮 Mathway also recognizes handwriting but provides less guidance on how to approach problems, offering more general solutions.
- 🤔 Clara questions whether the apps' explanations are clear enough for students to understand without prior knowledge.
- 📉 Mathway can calculate the surface area of irregular shapes but does not show the calculation process.
- 📘 Photomath offers both expert and regular solutions, showing the steps used, which can be helpful for understanding.
- 💭 Clara believes that while these apps are good for quick solutions, they may not foster deep understanding or independent problem-solving skills.
- 📝 She suggests that these apps are best used for checking homework answers when no answer key is available, with Photomath being slightly more detailed in its step-by-step solutions.
- 🌐 Clara is not against using technology in learning math and recommends other tools like Desmos, Geogebra, and Polyplot for visualization.
Q & A
What is Clara Tong's profession?
-Clara Tong is a math tutor who provides online tutoring to students aged 11 and up.
What are the two main math solving apps reviewed in the transcript?
-The two main math solving apps reviewed are Photomath and Mathway.
What does Photomath claim to do for students?
-Photomath claims to strengthen both comprehension and confidence in students.
How does Mathway describe itself according to the transcript?
-Mathway describes itself as the number one math problem solver, like a private tutor in the palm of your hand.
What is Clara Tong's opinion on students using these apps to learn math?
-Clara Tong believes that while these apps can help students do questions quickly, they do not necessarily develop real understanding or independent problem-solving skills.
What is the one use case where Clara finds these apps useful?
-Clara finds these apps useful when students are doing homework without an answer key and want to ensure they are on the right track.
How does Photomath handle a trigonometry question according to the transcript?
-Photomath recognizes handwriting and suggests using a trigonometric value table or the unit circle to evaluate the trig question but does not provide the table unless you have Photomath Plus.
What does Mathway provide when solving a trigonometry problem?
-Mathway provides the correct answer to a trigonometry problem but does not offer much detail about how to use the unit circle or how to find the inverse of a function.
What additional feature does Mathway have for solving problems?
-Mathway can calculate the surface area of irregular shapes when you input the information, but it won't show you how to do it.
What does Clara suggest as an alternative to using these apps for learning math?
-Clara suggests that students develop problem-solving skills and use technology like Desmos, a scientific calculator, GeoGebra, or Polymath to visualize problems better.
What is Clara's view on the paid version of Mathway?
-Clara considers that the paid version of Mathway might be useful, but she has not tried it herself and is open to feedback from those who have.
Outlines
📚 Review of Math Solving Apps: Photomath vs. Mathway
Clara Tong, an online math tutor, introduces herself and her experience with tutoring students from ages 11 and up. She discusses her exploration of two popular math solving apps, Photomath and Mathway, to determine their effectiveness in aiding learning. Clara tests both apps' free versions on various math problems, including a trigonometry question. She notes that Photomath recognizes handwriting and suggests using a trigonometric value table or unit circle but only provides the table with a paid subscription. Mathway also recognizes handwriting but lacks detailed guidance on how to solve the problem, instead offering a general overview. Clara questions the educational value of these apps, suggesting they might not foster true understanding but rather quick problem-solving.
🤔 The Role of Math Apps in Learning vs. Problem Solving
Clara discusses the potential use cases for math solving apps, suggesting they might be helpful for students who lack an answer key and want to verify their work. She believes these apps are more suited for quick problem-solving rather than fostering deep understanding. Clara emphasizes that true comprehension and confidence in math come from independent problem-solving, which these apps may undermine by providing immediate solutions. She concludes by stating her belief in the importance of a personal math tutor who guides students through problems rather than simply solving them. Clara also mentions her use of educational technology tools like Desmos, a scientific calculator, GeoGebra, and Polyplot to enhance her students' learning experience. She invites viewers to share their experiences with the paid versions of these apps and encourages feedback in the comments section.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Photomath
💡Mathway
💡Trigonometry
💡Handwriting Recognition
💡Unit Circle
💡Inverse Functions
💡Factoring
💡Logarithms
💡Problem-Solving Skills
💡Educational Technology
Highlights
Photomath and Mathway are popular math solving apps among students.
Photomath aims to strengthen comprehension and confidence in math students.
Mathway positions itself as a top math problem solver, akin to a private tutor.
Clara Tong, an online math tutor, reviews both apps' free versions.
Photomath recognizes handwriting but lacks detailed instructional content without a subscription.
Mathway provides answers but with limited explanation on how to solve problems.
Mathway offers a general overview and explanations of math terminology.
Photomath has previously solved similar problems, providing a numerical answer.
Mathway can calculate the surface area of irregular shapes but does not explain the process.
Photomath offers both expert and regular solutions, showing steps and factoring methods.
Clara considers the use of such apps as a tool for quick problem-solving rather than learning.
Apps may not foster independent problem-solving skills as they provide solutions without thought.
These apps are useful for checking homework answers when no answer key is available.
Photomath is favored for showing all steps of problem-solving in the free version.
Clara does not believe that a math tutor should merely solve problems for students to copy.
Technology can be a helpful tool for learning math, such as Desmos, GeoGebra, and Polyplot.
Clara encourages the use of technology for visualization but not as a crutch for problem-solving.
The review concludes with a call for feedback on the paid version of Mathway.
Clara invites viewers to like and subscribe for more educational content.