Review of Math Apps: Mathway, Photomath, and Socratic

Overview

• Apps reviewed: Mathway, Photomath, Socratic
• Purpose: Solve math problems by taking photos
• Tested from Algebra 1 to Calculus

Mathway

• Parent Company: Chegg
• Ratings: 4.5 on Google Play, 4.9 on Apple, over 200,000 reviews each
• Features:
  • Can type, take photos, or speak problems
  • Answers but limited step-by-step without premium ($9.99/month)

Performance by Subjects

• Algebra 1: Recognizes problems and gives answers, but no steps without upgrade
• Geometry: Does not handle diagrams well
• Algebra 2 & Trig:
  • Factors expressions and verifies trig identities
  • No steps without upgrade
• Pre-Calc: Identifies matrices, gives right answers, no steps without upgrade
• Calculus:
  • Solves indefinite integrals, gives some steps, mostly still lacks detailed steps

Summary

• Recognizes problems well, frustrating lack of steps without payment
• Free version useful for checking answers, not for learning the steps

Photomath

• Ratings: 4.7 on Google Play, 4.8 on Apple, millions of reviews
• Features:
  • Free download
  • Detailed steps, majority for free unless directly from textbook problems

Performance by Subjects

• Algebra 1: Recognizes textbook, shows steps if problems manually inputted
• Geometry: Recognizes textbook problems, explains relationships, does not work on hand-drawn problems
• Algebra 2 & Trig:
  • Factors expressions, verifies trig identities
  • Shows steps clearly, steps free unless direct from textbook
• Pre-Calc: Identifies matrices, detailed step-by-step solutions
• Calculus: Detailed steps for integrals, minor formatting issues

Summary

• High user satisfaction
• Easy to use, most features free
• Fully detailed steps unless problem from textbook
• Generally regarded as the best of the three apps reviewed

Socratic

• Developer: Google
• Features:
  • Covers various subjects, not just math
  • Integrated Google search features
  • No premium charge for steps

Performance by Subjects

• Algebra 1: Accurate steps plus additional resources like videos, key concepts
• Geometry: Incorrect answers and context issues (unrelated directions)
• Algebra 2 & Trig: Directs to other websites for answers, e.g., Wolfram Alpha, Mathway
• Pre-Calc: Did not solve matrix problems directly, provided general info cards
• Calculus: Found solution on its forum, detailed

Summary

• Strong in Algebra, weak in higher-level problems
• Reliance on external search results, inconsistency in providing accurate steps for complex problems
• Best for intro-level problems and additional resources

Final Recommendations

1. Photomath - Best overall, free detailed steps, useful across all subjects reviewed
2. Mathway - Reliable in problem detection, paywall limits utility without premium
3. Socratic - Good for introductory algebra, less useful for higher levels, mixed search-based results

Conclusion

• Excellent tools for homework assistance, not for cheating
• Suggestions for further app reviews or specific subjects/problems encouraged