Best AI Tools for Math Solver
Compare 8 tools and produce a step-by-step solution checked against the original problem.
Explore the guide
From the exact problem to a reviewable result.
Problem: Solve 3(x − 2) = 12.
Hint
The 3 multiplies both terms inside the parentheses.
Attempt: I wrote 3x − 2 = 12, then 3x = 14.
Correct expansion
3x − 6 = 12.
Request: Give me one hint about the first mistake before showing the answer.
Solution
3x = 18, so x = 6.
Check: After solving, substitute the result into the original equation.
Check
3(6 − 2) = 12.
Practice: Give me one similar equation to try independently.
Independent practice
Now solve 4(x − 3) = 20 without looking back.
Illustrative example, not a product run or measured result.
The useful intervention addresses distribution before continuing the calculation. In practice, reveal later steps only after the learner has tried the hint.
8 tools. Find your starting point.
Discuss your reasoning
Khanmigo
Choose this when you want prompts that help you work out the next step yourself.
ChatGPT
Use Study mode when you want hints, questions, and feedback on the method you are trying.
StudyX
Choose this when your question needs several follow-up explanations tied to uploaded study material.
Mathos AI
Use this when you want to choose how much help to see, then turn a worked solution into a quiz or flashcards.
Start from a question image
Compare methods and calculations
Compare what changes your decision.
8 tools for math problem solving · official sources rechecked September 16, 2026
| Tool | Workflow fit | Starting input | Working output | Access | Review needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khanmigo | Guided questioning | A question and your current reasoning | Guiding questions connected to learning content | Learner or Parent $4/month; eligibility applies | Individual learner and parent subscriptions require US eligibility; free Teacher Tools do not give learners access. |
 Claude | Step-by-step explanation | Prompt, problem statement and optional files | Written explanation or generated working file | Free and paid Claude plans | Verify every transformation, domain restriction and final substitution. |
 Photomath | Scan a paper problem | Camera scan or smart-calculator input | Solution steps and alternative methods where available | Basic free; Plus $9.99/month | Some inequalities are unsupported; inspect the recognized expression before reading the method. |
 Wolfram|Alpha | Check a symbolic result | A mathematical expression | Symbolic results and step-by-step solutions | Basic free; Pro adds steps | Confirm variable assumptions and domains; an equivalent form may look different. |
| Mathos AI | Hints followed by practice | Typed problem, worksheet photo, or PDF | Hints, worked steps, graphs, and practice materials | Free limited use; Basic $5.98/week; Prime $9.98/week | Free image and model use is limited. Verify the recognized equation and each step, then complete a similar problem without the solution. |
| StudyX | Follow-up explanations | Text, image, or PDF question | Solver chat and follow-up explanations | Basic free; paid prices require confirmation | Do the next exercise yourself to check whether the explanation was understood. |
 Gauth | Explanation from a question image | Text or an uploaded question image | Steps with how-and-why explanations | Gauth PLUS promoted; price unverified | Gauth PLUS pricing and trial terms need checking; confirm any human solvering entitlement separately. |
| ChatGPT | Conversation about your attempt | Your question, attempted steps, and study material | Questions, hints, explanations, and feedback | Study mode available across plans; usage limits apply | Study mode may still give a direct answer; ask for hints and verify the mathematics. |
A closer look at 8 tools.
Khanmigo
- $4/month
- Free
- Choose it when
- An eligible learner studying with Khan Academy material.
- Think twice when
- Individual learner and parent subscriptions require US eligibility; free Teacher Tools do not give learners access.
- Before you start
- Confirm access, then share your attempted step and ask for one hint.
Claude
- Free
- $20/month
- $100/month
- $25/seat/month
- Price unverified
- Custom pricing
- Choose it when
- A learner comparing a proposed solution with the original problem.
- Think twice when
- A fluent explanation can still contain an algebra, sign or domain error. Verify each line with the original problem.
- Before you start
- Paste the exact expression, preserve parentheses and state the required method or notation.
Photomath
- Free
- $9.99/month
- Choose it when
- A learner checking a calculation from a worksheet.
- Think twice when
- Some inequalities are unsupported; inspect the recognized expression before reading the method.
- Before you start
- Scan one problem and correct any symbol recognition errors.
Wolfram|Alpha
- Free
- $9.99/month
- $12/month
- Choose it when
- A learner comfortable entering mathematical notation.
- Think twice when
- Confirm variable assumptions and domains; an equivalent form may look different.
- Before you start
- Enter the expression explicitly and compare the interpreted input with the exercise.
Mathos AI
- Free
- $5.98/week
- $9.98/week
- Custom pricing
- Choose it when
- A learner working from a typed problem, worksheet photo, or PDF.
- Think twice when
- Free image and model use is limited. Verify the recognized equation and each step, then complete a similar problem without the solution.
- Before you start
- Enter one problem and your attempt. Request a single hint before opening the full solution.
StudyX
- Free
- Price unverified
- Choose it when
- A learner who wants to ask why a step is valid.
- Think twice when
- Do the next exercise yourself to check whether the explanation was understood.
- Before you start
- Upload the relevant question and show your attempt, then ask about one step.
Gauth
- Price unverified
- Choose it when
- A learner reviewing a problem with a clear image.
- Think twice when
- Gauth PLUS pricing and trial terms need checking; confirm any human solvering entitlement separately.
- Before you start
- Crop to one complete problem and ask for the reason behind the step you do not understand.
ChatGPT
- Free
- Price unverified
- $20/month
- $100/month
- $25/user/month
- Custom pricing
- Choose it when
- A learner explaining their reasoning in words.
- Think twice when
- Study mode may still give a direct answer; ask for hints and verify the mathematics.
- Before you start
- Use a regular chat in Study mode and state your level and learning goal.
From a stuck step to independent practice.
Make an attempt
Copy the problem accurately and work as far as you can. Keep crossed-out work because it can reveal where the method changed.
Ask for a focused hint
In Khanmigo, describe your attempted step and request one question or hint. If you use another solver, give the same context and ask it to pause before revealing the solution.
Explain the correction
Write the corrected step yourself. Say which rule justifies it, such as distribution, an inverse operation, or a domain restriction. Ask a follow-up only about the part that remains unclear.
Check the result
Substitute the result into the original equation, check units, or compare with a graph as appropriate. A solver can provide a second check, but compare the method as well as the final value.
Try a nearby problem
Change the numbers while keeping the same skill. Solve it without viewing the previous answer, then check it. Record the specific mistake and rule in your notes.
Ask for a hint that uses your work.
For an equation, substitute the result into the original expression. For a word problem, also check units and whether the answer fits the situation.
MY LEVEL
[Course, topic, and method used in class]
PROBLEM
[Full problem, units, and restrictions]
MY ATTEMPT
[Steps completed so far]
I am unsure about: [one step or concept]
HELP REQUEST
Check the problem transcription first.
Identify the first incorrect or unsupported step.
Give one hint or guiding question and wait for my attempt.
Ask me to explain why the corrected step is valid.
After I finish, help me verify the result.
Then give a similar practice problem without its answer.Before moving to the next topic
Questions about learning with a solver.
Should I ask for the answer or a hint?
If your goal is practice, show your attempt and request one hint. After you finish, a worked solution can help you compare methods.
What if the AI uses a different method from my class?
Name the method your teacher expects and ask for help within it. If another method is useful, compare why both work after you understand the required one.
Can a parent use Khanmigo with several children?
The Parent subscription can enable access for up to 10 children. Individual parent and learner subscriptions have US eligibility requirements.
Which tool should I use for a photo of a problem?
Photomath, Symbolab, and Gauth support captured or image-based problem input. Check the recognized symbols before using any solution.
How do I know I have learned the topic?
Explain the key rule in your own words, then solve a similar problem independently. Reading a worked answer alone does not test that skill.
Was the example produced by one of these tools?
No. It is an authored illustration of diagnosing a distribution error. Tool comparisons are based on official pages, without a hands-on performance test.
Sources
Official product pages used to support the comparison above.
- Khanmigo · Starting input, Working output
- Khanmigo · Access
- Claude · Starting input, Working output, Access
- Photomath · Starting input, Working output, Access
- Wolfram|Alpha · Starting input, Working output
- Wolfram|Alpha · Access
- Mathos AI · Starting input, Working output
- Mathos AI · Access
- StudyX · Starting input, Working output
- StudyX · Access
- Gauth · Starting input, Working output, Access
- ChatGPT · Starting input, Working output, Access
