Samule KellerThe objective, no-grey-area quality of mathematics, is a draw for many students. The idea of a problem or set of problems with fixed criteria and established and unvarying methods for solving them is a relief from the rapidly shifting ideas and ideologies associated with other high school and college subjects, such as English, history, and even science. Granted, math problems can be increasingly difficult and tedious even for the most accomplished students. Even their fascination with the possibilities of math can’t fully mitigate the confounding series of steps required to solve some math problems, from long division to complex equations.
But you may be among the many confounded by math. Maybe you even hate math. Imagine if there was help on hand, twenty-four hours per day, and right at your fingertips? Could the answer to math struggles be in the booming app industry, accessible right on your phone day and night?
How Apps Can Help You Solve Math Problems
Whether math is a favorite subject or a dreaded struggle, the digital age has made it easier than ever to learn math and complete homework assignments successfully. From photo-based interfaces that guide you through the steps necessary to solve problems, to feature-packed scientific calculators that can be adjusted to your needs; from math homework helper apps that analyze complex problems one step at a time to math homework help apps that simply allow you to race through a series of relatively rote sums, there is a math app for every purpose and every student. That’s right: every purpose, every application, every student. Even you.
Apps for All Levels
Perhaps no subject divides learning levels across as broad a range as mathematics: some students will continue to study in college what others finished studying in high school. Some students will quickly move beyond their college coursework, while others will anticipate careers that won’t require math and stick with the basics. Which level do you find yourself at? We’ve selected four of the very best math homework helper apps that can aid you with problem-solving at any level. Read on, and find the one, two, three, or even four apps that can transform math for you immediately.
Socratic
The Socratic math and homework help app is a rising star among the most popular free math homework help apps. It functions in a way that is similar to other photo-based math apps such as Photomath and Mathway: it allows the user to take photos of equations and formulas, analyzes them, and finds the solutions, or the steps necessary to solve them. It gets better: Socratic is replete with functions such as graphics and tutorials, all to make the process accessible, rather than doing it for you, as a calculator would (although it will do that too if you choose).
As if that’s not enough: the Socratic math and homework help app is, at its core, a problem-solving app, and not strictly a math homework help app like others on this list, and that’s what we love about it. Powered by Google and linked to the web, it helps to find the very best online resources for all of your high school and college subjects, even pulling from other math homework helper apps! The native content of the app is geared toward the maths and sciences, with expert-created study guides in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics and more. Yes, you read that right: it can help with most of your subjects but features native content in the subjects that most students find most difficult. The Socratic free math and homework help app is available for Android and iOS and gets the best results with a decent camera and a network.
Photomath
Do you ever wish there was an app that could just “see” your homework and produce solutions? Believe it or not, Photomath is that app.
Photomath is unique among the apps we’re highlighting in that it uses augmented reality – that’s right, augmented reality – to prepare solutions and systems for math problems. You point and click on nearly any surface with a math problem or equation, and Photomath yields a solution. Photomath is perfect for problems from basic arithmetic to algebraic equations, providing solutions and steps. We’re not through yet, though. Another great feature of Photomath is that it tracks your work for the life of your account, keeping a record of the problems you’ve used it to solve, which is handy to refer back to when you have similar work to complete. The current version – which is frequently updated, has a few marginal limitations: it won’t recognize handwritten problems. And we are still waiting eagerly for it to introduce capability with calculus, functional equations, and quadratic equations. Works best with a good camera, and is available on both iOS and Android.
Mathway
Are you wondering if there is an app similar to Photomath and Socratic, but a little lighter? Are you looking for something to have in your pocket for a little quick-and-dirty problem-solving?
Mathway is a lightweight and quick app that is a great complement to the other apps on this list. Like the others, it gives you the option of seeing the work or, with its instant answer feature, seeing the solution. For such a lightweight app, it’s well-stocked with features and capabilities: it works well with trigonometry, geometry, algebra, and even calculus. As mentioned above, it is another math app with a camera feature for capturing, recognizing, and solving math problems. We tested it out on an algebraic equation requiring a linear graph and were impressed with how handy and quick it was. It’s not a set of math power tools, as some other apps can be, but it’s a darn good Swiss Army Knife. As with the others, Mathway works best with a good camera and is available for both iOS and Android.
Calculator Pro
Are you the kind of math student who has the problem-solving systems and processes down and needs a premium, feature-packed scientific calculator to expedite your maths coursework? Are you wondering if there’s an app on this list just for you? Meet Calculator Pro!
Quick and handy is how we’d describe Calculator Pro, a feature-loaded scientific calculator with great basic functionality as well. It’s Snap Math feature ranks it among the most versatile apps available, and perhaps the best homework help app on this list considering how many other functions it’s capable of. Snap Math allows you to get solutions via quick photos of problems, as with the others. Where Calculator Pro strides ahead a little is in its many different modes. The basic calculator for simpler problems and functions is incredibly intuitive for a scientific calculator. We also used Calculator Pro for complex equations and ran through the functions of its scientific mode. Even better: Calculator Pro has a unique Calorie Calculator which scans food items and approximates their calories for you, a body mass index calculator, and an Object Identifier. At its core, Calculator Pro is a powerful scientific calculator. But add to that its ability to solve multiple problems at the same time; check answers; track, log, and store all the problems you’ve completed, as well as all of the advanced features and functions of a premium scientific calculator, and Calculator Pro could be the one math app you need if you’re only going to have one. A good camera is recommended for the best results. Calculator Pro is available for iOS and Android.
Tips For Using Apps With Math Homework
Do you dread and struggle with math, or cherish it as a refuge? Either way, we’re all stuck with math. Even if you fall into the former category, as many do, math is necessary for many ways you often may not even recognize, from calculating tips to completing weekend home improvement, repair, and maintenance jobs. The apps on this list can help you be a more successful math student, and they can be useful tools to have even after your formal studies in math are behind you. Following finding some tips for using these apps, being successful with your math work, and conquering math in general.
Camera
With all of these apps, you will get the most out of them by using a phone with a decent camera. It doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest, but you will find a great deal more functionality if you’ve moved beyond your iPhone 5 or Alcatel.
Generalize Math
Are you like me: do you wonder why we have to learn math, to begin with? After all, there are calculators and apps! Well, admit it, the math that is all around you: from those home improvement projects and gratuity calculations to your finances, income, and investments, think of math as a tool and not an obstacle. Math can help you get better results in your studies, keep you aware of potential discrepancies in bills, charges, and payments, and help you find great and rewarding investments. Math is an ally, and with these math homework solver apps, it doesn’t need to be an intimidating ally.
Consider the Future
Will you continue to study math and science? Will you have a career that relies on math? If so, it’s necessary to have success in math now to be prepared for the more advanced math and science you will study and rely on later. These apps can help you prepare for math at more complex levels.
Conclusion
Good math skills and tools are a boon to students in a broad range of studies beyond math. Set yourself up for success by using the best tools in the best ways. Explore these apps and others, and find the ones that are the best fit, the most intuitive, and that serve your particular learning level and style best. There is an app for every purpose and every student. Even for you.
Rabia Kanwal
