Math Photo Scanner
Typing fractions, exponents and symbols on a phone is slow. With this math photo scanner you take a picture of the question, the text is recognised for you, and you check it before it is solved, so a misread digit never turns into a wrong answer.
How the photo scanner works
- Capture. Press the scan button and take a photo or choose an image from your gallery.
- Recognise. An AI model transcribes the problem into plain text, using ^ for powers and / for division.
- Review. The text appears in the input box. Correct anything that looks wrong.
- Solve. Press Solve & Explain to see the full working.
Because you confirm the text first, you stay in control of what is being solved. The scan button appears once the site owner has connected an AI key; typing always works.
Tips for a scan that reads correctly
- Photograph in bright, even light with no shadow across the writing.
- Hold the phone directly above the page so the lines are straight.
- Crop to one question, with every number and unit visible.
- Write exponents large and clearly separated from the base.
- Use dark ink on plain paper; faint pencil on lined paper is harder to read.
Characters that are easy to misread
| You wrote | It can be read as | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| x² | x2 | Is the 2 an exponent? |
| 7 | 1 or 4 | Add a bar if you write 7s by hand |
| × | x | Is it multiplication or a variable? |
| − | —, or a stray mark | Compare with the original |
| 5 and S, 0 and O | swapped | Context usually reveals which |
After scanning, the problem is solved by the same engine as typed questions. For topic-specific help, try the algebra solver, geometry solver or word problem solver.
Worked examples
Example 1: Scanned text: x2 − 4 = 0
- The scan read the exponent as a separate digit. Edit it to x^2 − 4 = 0.
- Add 4 to both sides: x² = 4.
- Take the square root of both sides, keeping both signs.
Final answer: x = 2 or x = −2
Example 2: Scanned text: 3/4 + 5/6
- The fractions were recognised correctly. No edit needed.
- Common denominator 12: 9/12 + 10/12 = 19/12.
Final answer: 19/12 = 1 7/12
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pressing Solve without reading the recognised text.
- Photographing a whole page when only one question is needed.
- Cropping out the units or part of the question, which leaves the problem incomplete.
- Taking the photo at an angle, which distorts the digits.
Frequently asked questions
Can it read handwriting?
Yes, clear handwriting usually works. Messy or very small writing is more likely to be misread, which is why you review the text before solving.
What image types are supported?
JPEG, PNG, WebP and GIF. Large images are shrunk in your browser before upload to keep things fast.
Is my photo stored?
The image is sent to the AI service to read the problem, and it is not kept as part of your solution on this site. See the privacy policy for details.
Why can’t I see a scan button?
The scan feature needs an AI key to be configured by the site owner. You can still type or paste your problem.
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AI-generated solutions are for learning purposes. Always verify important answers.