Photomath is a popular math helper app that lets you instantly solve math problems using your phone’s camera.
With Photomath, you can get step-by-step solutions for algebra, trigonometry, calculus and more just by scanning a problem with your camera.
Many students find Photomath helpful for checking homework answers or getting guided help on tough math questions. Teachers also use Photomath to show students step-by-step solutions to reinforce concepts.
Using Photomath on a Computer
While Photomath is designed as a mobile app, you can also use it on a Windows PC or Mac computer. Here’s how.
Accessing Photomath Online
The easiest way to use Photomath on a computer is by accessing it through the Photomath website (www.photomath.com).
To get started:
- Open any web browser on your computer and navigate to www.photomath.com. This will open the Photomath web app.
- The interface looks just like the mobile app. You can now use the virtual camera function to scan and solve math problems from your computer screen.
Installing the Photomath Computer App
In addition to the website, Photomath offers downloadable desktop apps for Windows and Mac.
Installing the Photomath desktop app allows you to solve math problems right from your computer, without needing to use the web app.
Here are installation instructions for Windows and Mac:
On Windows:
- Open the Photomath downloads page and click “Download for Windows” to download the EXE installer file.
- When the download completes, double click the EXE file to open the installer.
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts to install Photomath. Be sure to allow access when the Windows Firewall prompt appears.
- Once installed, you can launch Photomath from the Start Menu like any other program.
On Mac:
- Go to the Photomath downloads page and click “Download for Mac” to download the DMG file.
- When finished, open Finder and double click the DMG file. This will mount the installer image.
- Drag the Photomath icon into your Applications folder to install the app.
- You can then find and launch Photomath from your Applications folder or Launchpad.
Using Photomath on a Computer
Now that you’ve accessed the Photomath website or installed the desktop app, using its equation-solving features on a Windows PC or Mac is easy.
Solving with the Virtual Camera
Both the web and desktop apps allow you to solve math problems by scanning them with your virtual camera, just like on mobile.
To use the camera:
- Click the camera button in the Photomath interface
- Point your camera at the math equation you want to solve
- Adjust the camera overlay so the equation fits neatly in frame
- Photomath will scan and solve the equation, showing you the step-by-step working out
You can scan equations printed on paper by holding them up in front of your webcam. Or capture problems on your computer screen by lining up the camera overlay.
Manual Text/Handwriting Input
As an alternative to the camera, you can also input math problems manually using:
- Text input – Simply type the equation using your keyboard
- Handwriting input – Write the equation using your mouse/touchscreen then click the tick to process
Photomath will interpret your handwritten or text input and provide the solution.
While not as fast as scanning, manual input can be helpful for longer, multi-step problems.
Tips for Using Photomath on Computers
Here are some top tips for seamlessly using Photomath on desktop platforms:
- Ensure you allow camera access when installing the desktop app so the virtual camera works properly
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac) to quickly copy figures and text from Photomath solutions
- Increase webcam resolution in your camera app settings for more accurate equation scans
- Adjust the Photomath camera overlay sliders for optimal area coverage when scanning problems
- Use Photomath’s text input for lengthy math questions that don’t fit nicely in the camera view
- Enable your operating system’s built-in magnification/zoom features if having trouble reading small text
- Upgrade to Photomath Plus for unlimited scans and access to advanced algebra, statistics, geometry solutions and more
Whether using Photomath online or through the desktop application, the experience is very similar to mobile. With practice, scanning and solving math problems can become quick and seamless.
Mastering Math Concepts
While Photomath provides helpful math solutions, keep in mind that simply copying answers won’t help you master concepts in the long run.
Be sure to review the step-by-step working out to understand how to properly solve each type of problem. Learning the underlying methods is key for academic and real-world success in math and science fields.
You can use Photomath for checking answers and as an assisting tool, but avoid becoming over-reliant. Developing mathematical skills takes time and practice – there are no shortcuts!
Summary
In summary, Photomath brings advanced math helper features to desktop platforms with minimal hassle.
The online web version offers quick access via any browser, while the installable Windows and Mac apps provide system integration.
Whether using the camera-based solver or text/handwriting input, Photomath empowers students to get on-demand help with algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and more from their computer.
Combined with traditional study techniques, it can give your math learning a helpful boost!
