Google is updating its search engine and Lens tool with new features to help students visualize and solve tough math problems.
We’re not talking about basic arithmetic either. The upgraded Google Search can now handle more complex forms of mathematics, such as calculus and trigonometry. All you have to do is do it comparison or integral in the text bar at the top or take a photo of your homework with Lens. You’ll then see a series of step-by-step instructions explaining how to fix the problem, with the answer at the bottom. Geometry is also supported, with the company recommending people use Google Lens to solve these as they can have diagrams. You can’t draw shapes in the search bar, so uploading a photo of the equation is your best bet.
Moreover, you can type word problems for physics questions. Google Search will highlight the ‘known and unknown values’ and then show you the correct formula to use for that specific comparison. For example, if you want to know the average acceleration of a cyclist going down a hill, it will tell you the specific kinetic formula needed.
The math update is currently live on the desktop and mobile app. Google says you can type the phrase “math solver” into the search bar to try out their new experience on the desktop. However, when we did that, there turned out to be nothing. It’s possible this refers to future expansion, but we don’t know for sure. Anyway, feel free to type the math problem directly into the search bar. You don’t have to say anything further.
Progress in science
In addition to the math help, Google is introducing interactive 3D models for certain science areas, such as physics, biology and chemistry. The diagrams allow you to zoom in on an object and provide definitions of what you are looking at.
At the time of writing this, the patch does not appear to be widely available yet. We saw interactive 3D models for basic concepts like individual parts of a cell and periodic elements, but nothing for specific types of cells or molecules. You can look up a model for an oxygen atom, but not for a carbon dioxide molecule, for example. Furthermore, nothing had a definition. It was just the model.
We reached out to Google to ask if this patch will be released globally or will only be available in a few countries, such as the United States. We will update this story if we hear back.
This will undoubtedly help students progress in their studies. But don’t forget the hardware. If you’re in the market for a computer, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best student laptops for 2023.