Solve math problems instantly with step-by-step solutions
Mathway is an online math problem solver that returns numeric and symbolic answers across algebra, calculus, statistics and chemistry, aimed at students and educators who need fast worked solutions; basic answers are free while step-by-step explanations require a subscription (monthly or annual). It’s best for learners who want quick verification and worked steps behind a modest paywall.
Mathway is a web and mobile math problem solver that accepts typed or photo input and returns worked answers for topics from basic arithmetic through calculus and chemistry. Its primary capability is parsing equations and word problems to produce final answers plus optional step-by-step solutions. The key differentiator is a camera input combined with topic selection (algebra, calculus, statistics, chemistry, graphing) that serves students, tutors, and STEM educators. Mathway sits in the Research & Learning category and offers a free answer view with paid step-by-step access via monthly or annual subscriptions, keeping pricing broadly accessible for individual learners.
Mathway is an online and mobile math problem solver launched to give fast, computable answers across a wide swath of STEM subjects. Originating as a focused calculator and homework helper, it positions itself between pure CAS systems and simple calculators by offering immediate final answers plus optional worked steps. The service is available at mathway.com and as native iOS and Android apps. Its core value proposition is speed and coverage: students can take a photo or type a problem, choose the appropriate subject area, and receive a validated numeric or symbolic result within seconds, useful for homework verification and quick learning loops.
The product’s key features reflect practical classroom workflows. Photo input (camera upload) recognizes handwritten and printed equations and converts them into a typed problem; success is usually immediate for clear, well-framed images. Topic-specific solvers cover Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra and Chemistry, so the engine routes problems to different solution rules depending on the chosen subject. The graphing tool plots functions and supports zoom and simple trace views for visual interpretation. Step-by-step explanations are available but gated behind the premium subscription; they break solutions into logical steps (isolation, algebraic manipulation, differentiation/integration steps) rather than only giving a final numeric result. Input options include a math keyboard, LaTeX-like typing, and copy/paste of expressions for more complex symbolic problems.
Mathway’s pricing model separates answer access from detailed steps. A free tier gives instant final answers for single problems in the browser or app but does not show step-by-step explanations. Paid access is offered as monthly and annual subscriptions; at the time of writing typical consumer pricing is approximately $9.99 per month or about $39.99 per year for unlimited step-by-step solutions (prices vary by region and platform store fees apply). Subscriptions unlock full step-by-step walkthroughs, unlimited problem lookups, and ad-free use in-app. There is no formal enterprise tier publicly listed on the consumer site, though institutional licensing or bulk access may require contacting support for custom arrangements.
Mathway is used by high school and college students primarily for homework checking and learning procedural steps, and by tutors who need quick worked examples to demonstrate approaches. For example, a high school math teacher might use Mathway to generate worked solutions for class handouts, while an engineering undergraduate can verify calculus homework integrals before submission. Educators sometimes prefer it as a time-saver compared with manual solution writing. For users needing symbolic experimentation, Mathway competes with Wolfram Alpha; Wolfram offers deeper symbolic manipulation and programmable notebooks, while Mathway emphasizes quick camera input and straightforward step explanations.
Three capabilities that set Mathway apart from its nearest competitors.
Current tiers and what you get at each price point. Verified against the vendor's pricing page.
| Plan | Price | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Final answers only, limited history, ads in mobile app | Casual users who need quick answer checks |
| Premium Monthly | $9.99/month | Unlimited step-by-step access, ad-free, monthly billing | Short-term students needing full steps |
| Premium Annual | $39.99/year | Unlimited steps, ad-free, annual billing saves cost | Regular learners seeking best annual value |
Copy these into Mathway as-is. Each targets a different high-value workflow.
You are Mathway. Role: act as a math solver that returns only the roots and a one-line verification. Constraints: solve the quadratic exactly in simplest radical form, also give decimal approximations rounded to three decimal places, indicate multiplicity for repeated roots, and include a one-line residual check by substituting roots back into the original equation. Output format: 1) Exact roots: ... 2) Decimal approximations: ... 3) Residuals: ... Example input to solve (paste or type): 2x^2 - 5x + 3 = 0. Provide results for that equation with no extra commentary.
You are Mathway. Role: compute the area of a composite figure (rectangle with semicircle on top). Constraints: use rectangle width = 10 cm and height = 6 cm; semicircle diameter equals rectangle width (so radius = 5 cm); present the final numeric area in cm^2 rounded to two decimal places; include exactly one line listing the formulas used and then the numeric result, no step-by-step algebra. Output format: 1) Formula used: ... 2) Numeric area: ... Example: rectangle area = width × height, semicircle area = (1/2)πr^2. Produce the numeric answer only with units.
You are Mathway acting as a classroom solver. Role: analyze and solve symbolically the linear system with parameters a and b. Constraints: system is x + 2y - z = 3; 2x + 5y + a z = 7; -x - y + 4z = b. Provide: (1) determinant or rank check, (2) the explicit solution or parametric form, and (3) concise conditions on a and b that produce a unique solution, infinitely many solutions, or no solution, each with one-line justification. Output format: numbered sections: Determinant/Rank; Solution or parametric form; Conditions on a,b. Example: show the symbolic process—do not plug numbers for a or b unless required.
You are Mathway. Role: evaluate the improper integral I(a) = ∫_0^∞ x^{a-1} e^{-x} dx symbolically and state convergence conditions. Constraints: express the final result in terms of the Gamma function Γ(a), specify the domain of a for convergence (real a), and include a one-line justification addressing behavior near 0 and at ∞. Output format: 1) Final expression: I(a)=... 2) Convergence domain: ... 3) Justification (two one-line points: near 0, near ∞). Example: verify that I(1)=1 as a simple check.
You are Mathway acting as a private calculus tutor. Role: diagnose and correct a student's common chain-rule error (student differentiates sin(3x^2) as cos(3x^2) only). Constraints: (a) give a one-sentence diagnosis of the mistake, (b) provide a labeled, step-by-step corrected differentiation of f(x)=sin(3x^2) showing the inner derivative, (c) include a second similar practice problem with full solution, and (d) keep explanations clear for high-school seniors with minimal jargon. Output format: Diagnosis; Worked example steps (numbered); Practice problem and full solution. Example correct derivative: f'(x)=6x cos(3x^2).
You are Mathway acting as an engineering TA. Role: compute the inverse Laplace transform of F(s) = (2s+5)/(s^2+4s+5) showing full algebraic steps and state the region of convergence (ROC). Constraints: assume causality (multiply by u(t)), complete the square on the denominator, rewrite the numerator to match standard Laplace pairs, perform partial-fraction-like decomposition as needed, show the algebraic steps explicitly, and give the final time-domain f(t) simplified with exponentials and sin/cos terms. Output format: 1) Completed-square denominator; 2) Algebraic rewriting/decomposition steps; 3) Final inverse transform f(t) with u(t); 4) ROC and causality note. Example: you may show a brief analogous step for (s+1)/((s+1)^2+4).
Choose Mathway over Photomath if you prefer broader subject routing and a web app plus native mobile apps for both typed and photo input.
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