Photomath Vs. Mathway: Online Math Tutor Reviews Apps that Do Your Math Homework

Clara Tong - Tutor Math Online
30 Jan 202306:44
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRClara Tong, an online math tutor, reviews the popular math-solving apps Photomath and Mathway in her video. She explores whether these apps truly aid in learning math or are merely tools for quick solutions. Clara tests both apps' free versions on various problems and finds that while Photomath provides a step-by-step approach, Mathway offers a general overview with less detail. She believes that these apps are more suited for confirming solutions rather than fostering a deep understanding of math concepts. Clara suggests that for real comprehension and confidence, students should focus on problem-solving skills rather than relying on apps. However, she acknowledges that these apps can be useful when no answer key is available, and she prefers Photomath for its detailed step-by-step solutions. She also recommends other tools like Desmos and GeoGebra for visualizing math problems and encourages students to use technology as a supplementary aid in learning math.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Clara Tong, an online math tutor, evaluates photomath and Mathway apps for their effectiveness in teaching math.
  • 🔍 Photomath recognizes handwriting and suggests using a trigonometric value table or unit circle but requires a paid subscription for detailed explanations.
  • 📱 Mathway also recognizes handwriting and provides answers but lacks detailed explanations on how to approach certain problems.
  • 🤔 Clara questions whether these apps truly help students understand math, as they may not foster independent problem-solving skills.
  • 📈 Mathway offers a general overview and explains math terminology but may not be clear enough for students unfamiliar with concepts.
  • 📘 Photomath has previously solved similar problems and can provide numerical answers, but it might not enhance understanding of how to solve new problems.
  • 📐 Mathway can calculate the surface area of irregular shapes but does not show the process, which might not aid in learning.
  • 📖 Photomath provides both expert and regular solutions, showing which log laws to use and how to factor, although the factoring method might not be the most efficient.
  • 💭 Clara believes that using these apps for quick problem-solving is not ideal for developing a deep understanding of math.
  • 📝 She suggests that these apps could be useful for checking homework when no answer key is available, with photomath being more detailed in its approach.
  • 💻 Clara is not against using technology for learning math and recommends Desmos, a scientific calculator, GeoGebra, and Polypat for visualizing problems.
  • 👍 She encourages liking and subscribing to her channel for more helpful content on math tutoring.
Q & A

  • What are the two math solving apps mentioned in the transcript?

    -The two math solving apps mentioned are Photomath and Mathway.

  • What is Clara Tong's profession?

    -Clara Tong is a math tutor who provides online tutoring to students aged 11 and up.

  • What does Clara Tong believe about the use of math solving apps for learning?

    -Clara Tong believes that while math solving apps can help students do questions quickly, they do not foster real understanding or independent problem-solving skills.

  • How does Photomath handle a common trigonometry question?

    -Photomath recognizes handwriting and suggests using a trigonometric value table or the unit circle to evaluate the question but does not provide the table unless you have a Photomath Plus subscription.

  • What does Mathway provide in its solution for a math problem?

    -Mathway provides the correct answer and a general overview of what to do, including explanations of certain math terminology, but may lack detailed steps on how to find specific solutions.

  • What is Clara Tong's opinion on memorizing the trigonometric value table?

    -Clara Tong does not recommend memorizing the trigonometric value table; instead, she suggests it's better to know one's way around the unit circle.

  • What is one use case where Clara Tong finds math solving apps useful?

    -Clara Tong finds math solving apps useful when students are doing homework problems without an answer key and want to ensure they are on the right track.

  • What does Clara Tong think about the paid version of Mathway?

    -Clara Tong is unsure about the usefulness of the paid version of Mathway, as she has not tried it herself, but she is open to feedback from those who have.

  • Which app, according to Clara Tong, is better for showing all the steps of problem solving?

    -According to Clara Tong, Photomath is better for showing all the steps of problem solving.

  • What does Clara Tong believe strengthens comprehension and confidence in math?

    -Clara Tong believes that comprehension and confidence in math are strengthened when students are well-equipped with problem-solving skills.

  • What are some tools Clara Tong uses to help her students visualize math problems?

    -Clara Tong uses Desmos, a scientific calculator, GeoGebra, and Polypat to help her students visualize math problems better.

  • How can viewers find more information about the tools mentioned by Clara Tong?

    -The websites for Desmos, GeoGebra, and Polypat are provided as links in the video description for viewers to explore.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Comparing Photomath and Mathway for Learning Math

Clara Tong, an online math tutor, introduces herself and her experience in helping students achieve their math goals. She then discusses the use of two popular math-solving apps, Photomath and Mathway, and their impact on students' comprehension and confidence in math. Clara explores whether these apps truly aid in learning math or if they are merely tools for quick problem-solving. She shares her findings after spending a day testing the free versions of these apps under various scenarios. Clara also compares the approaches of both apps to a common trigonometry question and discusses the limitations and benefits of each, including their explanations and the level of detail provided.

05:02
🚫 The Pitfalls of Relying on Math Apps for Learning

Clara emphasizes that while math-solving apps like Photomath and Mathway can be useful for confirming solutions when an answer key is not available, they are not ideal for developing a deep understanding of math problems. She believes that these apps can undermine independent problem-solving skills by removing the need for students to think through the process. Clara suggests that the real value of these apps is to help students ensure they are on the right track with their homework, particularly for more challenging problems. She also mentions that she uses other technologies, such as Desmos, a scientific calculator, GeoGebra, or Polypat, to help her students visualize problems better. Clara concludes her review by stating that she is not against using technology to learn math but cautions against relying solely on apps that may not foster true mathematical understanding.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Photomath
Photomath is a mobile application that uses image recognition technology to assist students with solving mathematical problems. In the video, Clara Tong, a math tutor, explores how Photomath deals with a trigonometric question and compares its approach to that of Mathway. Photomath is portrayed as a tool that can potentially strengthen comprehension and confidence in students, but also has limitations in providing detailed explanations without a subscription to its 'plus' version.
💡Mathway
Mathway is another app designed to solve mathematical problems and is described as a 'private tutor in the palm of your hand.' The video discusses how Mathway provides solutions to mathematical questions, including the simplification of expressions and the calculation of surface areas of irregular shapes. However, it is noted that Mathway may not always explain the process in detail, which could hinder a student's understanding of the underlying concepts.
💡Trigonometric Value Table
A trigonometric value table is a reference tool that lists the values of trigonometric functions for specific angles. In the script, Clara mentions that Photomath does not provide this table unless you subscribe to Photomath Plus. The table is often memorized by students, but Clara advises against this, suggesting that understanding the unit circle is a better approach to learning trigonometry.
💡Unit Circle
The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one, centered at the origin of a coordinate plane, and is used to understand the relationships between trigonometric functions and angles. Clara emphasizes the importance of knowing one's way around the unit circle as opposed to memorizing the trigonometric value table. It is a fundamental concept in trigonometry that helps students solve problems without relying on memorization.
💡Inverse of a Function
The inverse of a function is a mathematical concept where a function 'f' has an inverse 'f^-1' such that for a given input, applying both the function and its inverse will return the original input. In the context of the video, Clara discusses how Mathway provides the correct answer for an inverse sine problem but does not explain how to find the inverse of a function, which could lead to confusion for students who are not already familiar with the concept.
💡
💡Surface Area of Irregular Shapes
Calculating the surface area of irregular shapes is a mathematical challenge that involves breaking down the shape into recognizable parts or using approximation methods. Mathway is mentioned as being capable of calculating the surface area of such shapes, but without showing the step-by-step process, which could be crucial for a student's learning.
💡Logarithmic Laws
Logarithmic laws are mathematical rules that govern the operations involving logarithms, which are the inverse functions to exponentiation. In the script, Clara discusses a problem where Photomath identifies the correct logarithmic law to use and shows the factoring process. This is an important concept in solving exponential and logarithmic equations.
💡Factoring
Factoring is a mathematical method of breaking down an expression into its simplest parts, usually factors that, when multiplied together, give the original expression. Clara criticizes the factoring method shown by Photomath and offers her own video on how to factor more effectively. Factoring is a key skill in algebra and is essential for solving many types of mathematical problems.
💡Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills refer to the mental and analytical processes used to find solutions to problems. Clara argues that while apps like Photomath and Mathway can help students solve problems quickly, they may not develop the deep understanding and confidence that come from independent problem-solving. She believes that true comprehension and confidence are strengthened when students are equipped with these skills.
💡Desmos
Desmos is a digital platform that provides a suite of mathematical tools, including a graphing calculator, which can help students visualize mathematical concepts. Clara mentions using Desmos, along with other tools like GeoGebra and Polypat, to assist her students in better understanding and visualizing mathematical problems.
💡Subscription Model
A subscription model is a type of business model where users pay a recurring fee to access a service or product. In the context of the video, Clara discusses the limitations of the free versions of Photomath and Mathway and hints at the possibility of a more comprehensive experience with their paid versions, which could include additional features and detailed explanations.
Highlights

Photomath and Mathway are math solving apps that have gained popularity among students but are often disliked by teachers.

Photomath claims to strengthen students' comprehension and confidence in math.

Mathway positions itself as a top math problem solver, akin to a private tutor accessible on a mobile device.

Clara Tong, an online math tutor, reviews both apps to assess their educational value.

Photomath recognizes handwriting but may require a subscription for detailed solutions.

Mathway provides correct answers but lacks detail in explaining the process, especially for complex concepts.

Mathway offers a general overview and definitions for math terminology, which may not be sufficient for in-depth understanding.

Photomath has previously solved similar problems and can provide numerical answers, but lacks educational depth.

Mathway can calculate the surface area of irregular shapes but does not show the method.

Photomath provides both expert and regular solutions, including the use of logarithmic laws and factoring methods.

Clara Tong does not recommend memorizing trigonometric value tables and instead suggests understanding the unit circle.

The mindset of the user is crucial; these apps are better for quick solutions rather than developing a deep understanding.

Clara believes that problem-solving skills are essential for true comprehension and confidence in math.

Apps may be useful for checking homework answers when no answer key is available.

Photomath is favored for showing all steps of problem-solving, which can help build confidence.

The paid version of Mathway might offer more utility, but Clara questions whether it truly aids in learning.

Clara advocates for the use of technology, such as Desmos and GeoGebra, to visualize math problems.

She emphasizes that personal tutoring should not just involve copying steps but should encourage understanding and skill development.

Clara provides links to useful math visualization websites in the video description.

She concludes that while these apps have their place, they should not replace the development of independent problem-solving skills.

Transcripts

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