Photomath
Photomath
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Photomath – Camera Calculator is a resource that kids can use to solve mathematical problems. Simply point a device, such as an iPad, toward a problem. The device's camera then scans the problem and produces the solution within seconds. The free version shows the steps for solving a problem. However, more detailed explanations of the steps are available with a paid subscription. While it could be a great learning support tool, there's a risk that kids could use the app as a shortcut to completing assignments. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the types of information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
Big Scam
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Used for Cheating Most of the Time
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What’s It About?
PHOTOMATH – CAMERA CALCULATOR is just what the name implies: Simply aim a device's camera at a math problem, making sure the problem fits within the rectangular scanning field. The app scans the problem and displays a stepped-out solution within seconds. With the handwriting recognition feature, kids can write their problems on paper, and the app will scan and solve them as long as the handwriting is neat enough. There's also a calculator for entering problems manually. By pinching and dragging the rectangle, kids can resize the scanning area. They can also edit problems and share via web links.
Is It Any Good?
This easy-to-use app is a useful support tool that shows the steps involved in solving math problems, but parents should make sure that kids don't use it as a shortcut for completing assignments. There's a brief intro tutorial that walks users through features, and a help section answers common questions and allows users to submit their own questions. Photomath - Camera Calculator supports many types of math problems, but there's a moderately long list of problem types it does not support. Although the free version is quite handy, the subscription version provides detailed explanations of solutions, is reasonably priced, and could really help struggling kids if used properly. A feature for solving geometry and graphing problems would be a great addition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of using Photomath – Camera Calculator as a learning support tool rather than a shortcut. Kids should not depend on the app to complete assignments; instead, they should use it to help them understand the steps involved in solving math problems.
Challenge kids to solve problems on their own first and then use the app to check their answers. If an answer is incorrect, have them look at each step of the solution to find out where they went wrong.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Math: algebra, arithmetic, equations, functions
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: memorization, problem solving, Self-Direction: academic development, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: December 21, 2016
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Photomath, Inc.
- Version: 3.0.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
- Last updated: July 19, 2019
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