This site contains links to Photomath app available both for iOS and Android. The app allows a smartphone (or other mobile device) user to point the device camera to a hand-written math problem and with a push of a button produce a detailed step-by-step solution.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
This app can be used for in- class demonstration or for independent student exploration/learning and calculation.
Technical Requirements:
ios or Android device with camera and picture/video permissions.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Use as a scientific/graphing calculator to calculate solutions or to see step by step explanations.
Target Student Population:
High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Photomath supports arithmetic, integers, fractions, decimal numbers, roots, algebraic expressions, linear equations/inequalities, quadratic equations/inequalities, absolute equations/inequalities, systems of equations, logarithms, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, derivatives and integrals. The app allows users to enter a mathematical expression by using the camera to capture handwritten material or by using the editor. Users can receive an immediate answer to the problem or see step by step explanations including graphs.
Concerns:
There are many standard math areas that it does not support such as series, word problems, differential equations, the “prime” notation for differentiation, multiple integration, partial derivative, and finding an equation given a graph.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is an excellent supplementary resource for students wishing to obtain a quick answer – or check one. It also shows steps and can be used as a learning tool. It is simple to use, visually appealing and provides ample user control of features including the ability to save favorites.
Concerns:
Because of this app and other technology, math instructors need to never allow smartphones to be used during exams.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The app can solve a wide range of mathematical problems. Handwritten input is particularly easy but an editor is available as well. It can be used as a free scientific/graphing calculator. Other than figuring out what types of problems the app can solve, there is no learning curve to use it. Students will just open the app and point their phone at a math problem and the app does the rest. The app supports 36 languages.
Concerns:
Capturing handwriting can be tricky – presumably depending on the camera of the device. Requires an internet/data connection (of course).
Creative Commons:
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