A startup based in the US called Socratic has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) app that provides solutions to algebra equations by just clicking a picture of the questions. The app is capable of reading both math and science questions present in the photo. After reading the equations, it gives students step-by-step solutions to the problem. The solutions can contain graphs, videos, and definitions to better explain the concept to the student. 

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Using the app, built by a team of engineers, a student can learn how to crack hard algebra equations at the click of a button. According to Shreyans Bhansali, head of Engineering at Socratic, they have come across a lot of students who have struggled with mathematics. "Every student takes Math, often for multiple years, and it can be hard to get help from parents and friends," she added. 

Therefore, her team wanted to create an experience that walks the student through the problem very easily sitting from home and teach the concepts behind the problem, Bhansali said. Additionally, the app can also read handwritten maths and science equations, applying artificial intelligence effectively.

How was the app built?

To build the app, the team went through countless math questions asked by students and categorized them depending on the steps required to solve them. After this, they wrote high quality "Explainers" to teach these concepts which they tested with hundreds of high school students. The engineering team also built algorithms simultaneously that allow a computer to solve math problems step-by-step incorporating data collected from students so that steps closely matched those of a great teacher or tutor.

"Students can now break down their question into small steps, allowing them to gain confidence and learn how to solve similar questions on their own," said Bhansali. "We hope to provide an experience similar to working with a tutor, except its free and on your phone," he said.