Mathway, a widely used mathematics problem-solving tool, was founded to meet the growing need for accessible, instant math assistance. Created by Frank Balcavage and Jake Kuehner, Mathway emerged from their shared vision of enhancing learning through technology. Balcavage, with his strong background in mathematics education, and Kuehner, a tech entrepreneur, aimed to develop a solution that could help students understand complex math problems without waiting for human tutors. Today, Mathway boasts millions of users worldwide and has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2020 EdTech Breakthrough Award for "Best STEM Solution," recognizing its innovative approach to math education and its significant impact on students and educators alike.
What sets Mathway apart from other educational tools is its ability to solve a vast range of math problems instantly. It covers topics from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, providing step-by-step solutions that help students learn the processes involved. The user-friendly interface and the breadth of topics covered make it a unique and invaluable resource for both students and educators. Additionally, Mathway’s availability on multiple platforms, including web, iOS, and Android, ensures that it is accessible to a broad audience.
How to Get Started and How It Works
Starting with Mathway is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for homeschooling families. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
Download and Install: Visit the Mathway website or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign Up: Create a free account to get basic access. For full functionality, consider the premium subscription.
Input Problems: Type or use the camera feature to scan math problems.
Choose the Problem Type: Mathway will often ask what type of problem it is (e.g., algebra, calculus).
View Solutions: Mathway provides the solution and, with a premium subscription, a step-by-step breakdown.
Mathway is largely an independent tool, perfect for students who need minimal parental involvement once they know how to input their problems. It requires an internet connection to access the database and provide solutions, ensuring that it is up-to-date with the latest problem-solving techniques. Typically, using Mathway involves minimal time for setup and problem entry, making it an efficient addition to any homeschool curriculum.
What Educational Concepts It Teaches
Mathway covers a broad spectrum of math topics, including but not limited to:
Arithmetic
Algebra
Linear equations
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Polynomials
Geometry
Shapes
Angles
Area and volume calculations
Trigonometry
Functions
Identities
Equations
Calculus
Derivatives
Integrals
Limits
Statistics
Probability
Descriptive statistics
Inferential statistics
What’s Good About It
Users love Mathway for its instant and accurate solutions. The app’s ability to provide step-by-step explanations is particularly appreciated by homeschooling parents, as it helps reinforce learning and understanding. The camera feature, which allows users to take pictures of problems, is also a highlight, making it convenient for students to get help without typing out complex equations. Furthermore, Mathway’s wide coverage of math topics means it can be used throughout a student’s educational journey, from elementary school to college.
What Could Be Improved
While Mathway is a robust tool, it has some limitations. For instance, it requires an internet connection, which might be a drawback for families with limited internet access. Additionally, while the step-by-step solutions are helpful, they can sometimes be too brief for complex problems, leaving some students needing further explanation. There is also a cost associated with accessing the full range of features, which might be a barrier for some families.
Advice from Parents
Parents using Mathway suggest integrating it as a supplementary tool rather than a primary curriculum. They recommend guiding children initially to ensure they understand how to use the tool effectively. Regularly reviewing the step-by-step solutions with children can also help reinforce learning and address any gaps in understanding. Parents also advise leveraging the app's extensive topic coverage to ensure students practice a variety of problems, promoting a well-rounded math education.
Overall Educational Value Score for Mathway: 69/100
Mathway scored 69 out of 100 in our evaluation, excelling in accuracy, user-friendliness, and support for homeschooling, while facing minor drawbacks related to personalization and potential excessive focus on problem-solving without broader context.
Positive Score: 79
Uniqueness (8/10): Mathway offers a unique feature set with its camera input for math problems and wide range of topics covered from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. This innovation sets it apart from other math-solving tools.
Engagement (7/10): While not designed to be particularly engaging like a game, many students find the instant feedback and step-by-step solutions motivating and helpful for learning.
Accuracy (10/10): Mathway is highly accurate in solving a wide range of math problems and provides reliable, step-by-step solutions.
User-Friendliness (9/10): The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a clean interface and minimal technical issues reported.
Pedagogy (8/10): Mathway effectively supports learning by breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, catering well to different developmental stages.
Homeschooling (9/10): Homeschooling parents find Mathway very useful as a supplemental tool, especially for older students who need help with higher-level math.
Learning Focus (8/10): Mathway emphasizes understanding math processes rather than rote memorization or test preparation, which is beneficial for deep learning.
Personalization (6/10): While Mathway provides personalized solutions, it lacks adaptive learning features that tailor to individual student progress over time.
Special Needs (7/10): The app is somewhat accommodating for students with special needs, though it could improve in offering more targeted support for conditions like dyslexia or ADHD.
Value (7/10): The subscription cost is reasonable given the extensive range of math topics and solutions provided, though some parents may find the premium version a bit pricey.
Total Positive Score: 79/100
Negative Score -10
Boredom (2/10): Mathway does not generally induce boredom, as it provides quick and clear solutions, keeping students engaged in solving problems.
Addictive Components (3/10): There is a minimal risk of addiction, as the app’s primary function is educational rather than entertainment.
Violence (0/10): Mathway contains no violent content.
Unhealthy Competition (1/10): The app does not foster unhealthy competition among users.
Excessive Prioritization of School Standards (4/10): While useful for understanding math concepts, some parents feel it can sometimes focus too much on problem-solving without contextual learning.
Total Negative Score: 10/50
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For
Mathway is ideal for students who need extra help with math outside traditional instruction. It is particularly useful for independent learners who can navigate the tool with minimal supervision. Homeschooling parents with children at different educational levels will find it beneficial, as it covers a wide range of math topics. Additionally, it suits families looking for a flexible, on-the-go solution to math problems.
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For
Mathway may not be suitable for very young children who are just starting to learn basic math concepts, as they might need more interactive and engaging tools to maintain their interest. It is also less ideal for families without reliable internet access or those who prefer a more traditional, book-based learning approach. Additionally, students who need extensive, detailed explanations for each step might find Mathway's brief explanations insufficient.
Grades
Mathway is suitable for a wide range of grades, from elementary school through college. Its flexibility makes it a valuable tool for different educational stages.
Cost
Mathway offers a free version with basic functionalities, but a premium subscription is available for more advanced features. The premium subscription costs approximately $19.99 per month or $79.99 per year, offering comprehensive access to all solutions and step-by-step explanations.
Ways to Get It
Mathway is available for download on the Mathway website, the App Store for iOS devices, and Google Play for Android devices. The premium subscription can be purchased directly through these platforms.
Conclusion
Mathway is a powerful and versatile tool for homeschooling families, providing instant math solutions across a wide range of topics. While it has some limitations, its benefits in enhancing math understanding and offering flexible learning make it a valuable addition to any homeschool curriculum.
