South Korean Ed-Tech Company Launches AI-Driven Math App

In 2022, K-12 students have no shortage of math-focused educational apps at their disposal — IXL Math, Khan Academy and Prodigy: Kids Math Game, to name a few. Despite the multitude of options already at kids’ fingertips, a South Korean-based education technology company that serves both kids and adults is throwing its hat into the ring. Woongjin ThinkBig this week announced that it has created an artificial intelligence-driven arithmetic app for kids and launched the service globally, including in the U.S. and Canada.

The company's news release said the Mathpid app uses an AI to enhance students' basic math skills by detecting in real time where they need to improve, then customizing problems on which they can practice. If a student takes a photo of an equation in a textbook, Mathpid can read the problem, show basic concepts involved and generate an unlimited number of similar problems. The idea is that the student will be able to use these unique but similar scenarios to become familiar with the concept.

"Basic math skills are similar to basic physical strength when exercising,” said Minhyong Kim, Woongjin ThinkBig's math adviser and director of the U.K.-based International Centre for Mathematical Sciences, in a public statement. “Weak physical strength leads to a lack of focus and willpower, causing difficulty in creative thinking, and it is important to strengthen mathematical basics in preparation for solving more difficult concepts and complicated problems."

Woongjin's news release also noted that the app is available in English and Korean, but the company will continue adding languages to support students globally. The app is available for Android and Apple devices.