Can Question AI do your homework for real?

Question AI is a nifty AI-powered tool designed to easily tackle math problems. Given its claims, we couldn’t resist testing it to see if it really lives up to the hype. This tool promises to streamline the study process by offering instant solutions to various mathematical quandaries, from basic arithmetic to more complex algebraic equations.

Whether crunching numbers for homework or solving those brain-teasing problems that go viral on social media, Question AI seems equipped to handle it all. So, with a mix of curiosity and a dash of skepticism, we lined up a series of questions—some straightforward, others notoriously divisive—to see what Question AI could do. Our goal? To determine not only the accuracy of this tool but also how it handles the ambiguities and nuances of mathematical rules that might differ from one educational standard to another.

What is Question AI?

At its core, Question AI offers a dynamic, AI-driven assistance tool, designed to address a wide array of homework queries and educational challenges.

Main dashboard of Question AI Key features of Question AI

• Text problem solver: This feature allows students to input textual academic questions, ranging from complex mathematical equations to conceptual queries like explaining photosynthesis. The AI parses the question and delivers accurate, step-by-step solutions.
• Image problem solver: Leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, this tool enables students to upload images of their homework questions, particularly useful for graphical or diagram-based problems. The system analyzes the images and provides precise answers.
• Calculator: A built-in calculator is available for direct numerical computations, simplifying tasks that require quick and precise arithmetic operations.
• PDF homework help: This utility aids in the analysis of academic documents or assignments provided in PDF format, offering solutions and explanations directly within the document.
• Chat AI: An interactive chat feature that engages students in real-time, providing immediate responses to their questions, which enhances the learning process by mimicking a one-on-one tutoring experience.

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How to use Question AI?

• Head over to https://www.questionai.com/ to start.
• Type or paste your math problem into the text box provided.
• You can also upload images of your homework or math problems directly for analysis without needing to sign up.
• Registering for an account may provide additional features and a more personalized experience.

Does Question AI really work?

We initiated our trial of Question AI with a straightforward mathematical problem to gauge its capability in handling basic arithmetic.

Example 1 Example 1

The tool correctly answered with 10. It figured this out by:

1. Squaring 2 which gave 4.
2. Multiplying this 4 by 2, making it 8.
3. Adding this 8 to 2, reaching 10 in total.

The tool did a good job. It followed the right math steps: squaring, multiplying, and then adding. This shows that Question AI can reliably solve simple math problems, making it really useful for students needing help with their math homework.

Example 2 Example 2

We decided to test Question AI with a slightly trickier problem to see how it handled a basic logic puzzle involving people getting on and off a train.

Since I’m not exactly a math whiz myself, I wanted to test the tool with questions that had definitive answers. That reminded me of an article I read on Business Insider about viral math problems that sparked debates among people.

We asked: “There were some people on a train. 19 people get off the train at the first stop. 17 people get on the train. Now there are 63 people on the train. How many people were on the train to begin with?”

The tool responded with: “There were 63 people on the train initially.” This answer is incorrect.

The actual calculation should account for the net change in passengers after the first stop. With 19 people leaving and 17 people boarding, the total number of passengers decreases by 2. If the train then has 63 people, it must have started with 65 passengers (63 + 2 = 65).

This example highlights a critical limitation of the tool when handling problems that require understanding and applying net changes. It seems the AI misunderstood the sequence of events, keeping the number of passengers constant rather than accounting for the net loss. This teaches us that while the tool is robust in straightforward calculations, scenarios involving logical deductions about sequential changes might pose a challenge.

It’s a good reminder to double-check such answers, especially in problems where the sequence and net effect of actions are key to finding the right solution.

Example 3 Example 3

We tested Question AI further with a math problem that has been known to spark debate: “6 ÷ 2(1+2) = ?”

This problem tests understanding of the order of operations, often summarized by PEMDAS or BODMAS.

The tool answered with 1, using the following steps:

1. Solve inside the parentheses: 1+2=3
2. Multiply the result by 2: 2×3=6
3. Divide 6 by 6: 6÷6=1

The controversy in this problem stems from different interpretations of the order of operations, particularly how to handle division and multiplication sequences.

The correct application of the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), which is the standard method post-1917, would prioritize operations as follows, yielding a different result:

1. Parentheses first: 1+2=3
2. Multiplication and division from left to right: 6÷2×3=3×3=9

This instance illustrates that Question AI follows a specific interpretation of the order of operations that might not align with all educational standards or expectations. This highlights the importance of specifying and understanding which mathematical conventions are being used by the AI tool, as different interpretations can lead to different results. It’s crucial for students to be aware of these nuances when using automated tools for learning and problem-solving.

Final verdict

Question AI appears to be a helpful tool for assisting with homework, especially for straightforward mathematical problems and queries that involve clear, rule-based answers. It demonstrates proficiency in handling basic arithmetic, algebra, and some logical puzzles using established mathematical rules. This makes it suitable for students seeking quick answers or needing step-by-step explanations for typical schoolwork problems.

However, its performance might vary with more complex or ambiguous problems, such as those involving nuanced interpretations of rules or requiring deeper contextual understanding. The tool’s occasional misinterpretation, as seen in the train puzzle and the controversial order of operations problem, suggests that while it can be a valuable aid, it should not be solely relied upon without understanding the underlying concepts and checking the answers manually.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney