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Tool profile

Photomath

Math learning app that scans problems and shows step-by-step solution paths for parent-guided homework support.

Math
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Editorial overview

Is Photomath the right fit for your family?

Photomath is a camera-first math support app that identifies a problem and walks through a solution path. For grades 5-9 families, it is most useful as a correction and explanation tool: students attempt first, then compare their reasoning to a structured walkthrough so parents can quickly spot where thinking broke down.

Its practical strength is speed and visual clarity. A parent can diagnose confusion in minutes, especially for arithmetic, fractions, pre-algebra, and equation setup. It works best when families enforce a learn-the-step routine (attempt, compare, explain, retry) so students build method understanding instead of answer dependence.

Feature set

Camera scan for printed and handwritten math problems
Step-by-step solution walkthroughs
Alternative solving methods for some problem types
Visual breakdown of operations and transformations
Mobile-first workflow for quick after-school checks
Company: Photomath (Google)Launched: 2014 (acquired by Google)Platforms: iOS, Android

Decision snapshot

Setup time

5-10 min setup plus family usage rules

Weekly time

3-5 sessions/week, 10-20 min each

Parent effort

Medium

Student independence

Low to medium

Pricing: Free core features available, with expanded explanation features in Photomath Plus plans.

Platforms: iOS, Android

Last reviewed: 2026-02-08

Best for

  • Fast diagnosis of where a math solution went wrong
  • Step-by-step support for pre-algebra and algebra basics
  • Parent-led correction sessions after homework
  • Confidence rebuilding after repeated mistakes

Watch-outs

  • High risk of shortcut behavior if first-attempt rule is missing
  • Not every class method matches app method exactly
  • Students may skip conceptual explanation unless prompted
  • Should not replace teacher instruction on new topics

Use-case encyclopedia

How families can run this tool in real study sessions

Study material fit

Use these material types to get high-quality, grade-appropriate outputs.

Current homework sheet
Recent quiz corrections
Class formula notes
Teacher examples

TL;DR

Best for parent-led math correction loops when students attempt first and verify each step.

Parent playbooks

Pick one workflow and run it 2-3 times before moving to the next.

1. Attempt-Compare-Retry Loop

15-20 minutes

Build method understanding without shortcut dependence.

Nightly homework support

  1. Child solves 2-3 problems independently first.
  2. Use Photomath only on missed problems.
  3. Compare each step with student work.
  4. Child explains one corrected step aloud.
  5. Retry a similar problem without app help.

Materials: Homework problems, Notebook

Parent role: Enforce first-attempt and no-copy rule.

Child role: Show work, explain corrections, and retry independently.

Deliverable: Correction log with one independent retry success.

2. Post-Quiz Error Clinic

25 minutes

Repair recurring misconceptions quickly.

After quiz return

  1. Group mistakes by concept (fractions, equations, graphs).
  2. Scan one representative problem per concept.
  3. Write a one-line rule from each walkthrough.
  4. Do one fresh problem per concept with no app help.

Materials: Incorrect quiz items, Class notes

Parent role: Group errors and enforce concept-by-concept repair.

Child role: Turn walkthroughs into reusable rules.

Deliverable: Misconception repair sheet.

3. Saturday Skill Tune-Up

20 minutes

Prevent weak topics from compounding week to week.

Weekend review

  1. Attempt mixed set without support.
  2. Use Photomath on only blocked items.
  3. Create one mini rule card per blocked item.
  4. Run a final 2-question no-app check.

Materials: Weak-topic list, 5 mixed review problems

Parent role: Keep focus on weak topics only.

Child role: Build and review rule cards.

Deliverable: Updated weak-topic tracker.

Prompt pack

Parent coaching prompts (outside the app)

These prompts are meant for a companion AI assistant (for example ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini), then you apply the output inside Photomath.

Before you copy

  • Open your companion AI assistant first (not the tool app).
  • Paste one prompt at a time and add class context.
  • Apply the output back inside Photomath and verify with class materials.

Explain This Step Prompt

After scanning a missed problem

Run in companion AI

Where to use it: Photomath explanation area or companion AI chat after copying steps.

How to run: Copy the walkthrough steps and ask for plain-language explanation tied to class method.

Explain this solution for a grade 5-9 student using plain language. For each step, tell why it is valid and what mistake students usually make at that step.

Ask for one mini practice problem at the end.

Method Match Prompt

When app method looks different from classroom method

Run in companion AI

Where to use it: Companion AI chat with textbook method and Photomath method pasted together.

How to run: Paste both methods and request side-by-side comparison for parent review.

Compare these two methods for solving the same problem: classroom method and app method. Show where they are equivalent, where they differ in notation, and which steps are essential for grading.

Useful before showing final approach to your child.

No-Copy Exit Ticket Prompt

At end of each session

Run in companion AI

Where to use it: Companion AI chat after correction work.

How to run: Generate a short no-app exit check from today's corrected topics.

Create a 3-question exit ticket on today's corrected topic [topic], with increasing difficulty. Do not provide answers until the student submits attempts.

Use nightly to prevent passive copying habits.

Pros

  • Very fast for identifying where a math solution failed
  • Clear step-by-step visuals support parent coaching
  • Useful for short correction sessions when time is limited

Cons

  • Can promote answer dependence without guardrails
  • Method may differ from classroom expectations
  • Limited value if student does not attempt first

Safety notes

Use as an explanation tool, not an answer shortcut. Require first attempt, explanation in student words, and no-app retry. Do not upload personal data in screenshots.

Review transparency and useful links

Author: SchoolyardAI Editorial Team

Reviewed by: SchoolyardAI Human Review

Reviewed at: February 8, 2026

Pricing last checked: 2026-02-08

Reviewed against official Photomath resources on 2026-02-08. Sources:; ;

FAQs

Is Photomath good for middle-school math?

Yes, especially for correction and step clarification. It works best when students attempt first and explain corrected reasoning.

How do parents prevent copying?

Use an attempt-compare-retry routine and require one no-app problem after each corrected item.

Can app methods differ from school methods?

Yes, sometimes notation and sequence differ. Parents should compare to teacher examples before relying on it for graded methods.

Is the free version enough?

Many families can start with free features, then decide if expanded explanations in paid plans are worth it.