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How Generative AI is Transforming English and Math Homework

Writer's picture: 3RD4PR TEAM3RD4PR TEAM

A student using AI-powered tools, such as the Gauth app, for homework on her laptop. Educational icons representing math, chemistry, and physics float around her, reflecting how generative AI is transforming homework tasks, as discussed in the blog about AI's growing impact on both English and math education.
How Generative AI is Transforming English and Math Homework by 3rd4

The AI Impact on English Homework

When OpenAI first launched ChatGPT in 2022, it created quite the buzz in classrooms. Suddenly, students had access to a tool that could generate essays, complete assignments, and even help with creative writing tasks. It didn’t take long for teachers to notice.

Almost overnight, schools started worrying about how to detect AI-generated work. Various plagiarism checkers were developed to catch students using AI to bypass the writing process. Students, on the other hand, were quick to find ways around these tools, leaving educators scrambling to keep up.

But while everyone was busy focusing on writing, math quietly snuck into the spotlight. Let’s face it—English may have been the first subject to feel the impact, but math is next in line.


Enter AI for Math: The Rise of Apps Like Gauth

High schoolers and college students have found a new friend in AI-powered math apps like Gauth, which has become one of the most popular tools around. Owned by ByteDance (yes, the same company behind TikTok), Gauth has millions of downloads and a 4.8-star rating. Clearly, students love it.

Gauth originally launched in 2019 with a focus on mathematics, but it has since expanded to other subjects like chemistry and physics. However, it hasn't ventured into helping with English homework specifically. Instead, it remains primarily a math tool, assisting students with their assignments by walking them through step-by-step solutions to problems.

On the surface, it looks like a lifesaver for anyone stuck on a tricky algebra problem. But it begs the question: Is AI helping students learn, or just giving them an easy way out?


AI: A Tutor or a Shortcut?

For students who struggle with math, apps like Gauth can be incredibly helpful. Some might say it levels the playing field, especially for students who don’t have access to tutoring or other resources. AI could be the tool that gives them a fighting chance in subjects they find challenging.

But here’s the flip side. In our testing, Gauth performed well on high-school-level math—good enough to earn a B or C on most homework assignments. Yet, when it came to more advanced topics, like Calculus, the app faltered. It struggled to solve graphing problems and stumbled through higher-level math equations. While it’s a great tool for entry-level math, its limitations mean it’s not quite ready for more advanced courses.

There’s another concern too: over-reliance. When students can get the answer in seconds, are they learning the critical thinking skills that math is supposed to teach?


Will Generative AI Hollow Out Critical Thinking Skills?

Math isn’t just about solving for x. It’s about problem-solving, logic, and learning how to approach challenges with a critical eye. Yes, it can be frustrating—anyone who’s ever sat through a grueling calculus problem knows that. But the process of working through those frustrations is where the learning happens.

If students start leaning on AI tools like Gauth for every homework problem, they might be missing out on developing those crucial skills. Sure, AI can provide the answer, but it can’t replicate the mental workout that comes with puzzling through a tough equation.

And that’s what worries some educators. If students no longer have to engage with the math themselves, will we see a generation of students who can pass their tests but lack the deeper understanding and critical thinking that math traditionally builds?


The Role of AI in Education: Cheating or Accessibility?

Some people argue that apps like Gauth are just another tool in the student’s toolkit, much like the calculator was in previous generations. We’ve come a long way from the days of the abacus to the scientific calculator and now, generative AI.

In that sense, AI could be seen as an evolution in how we approach learning. Proponents say that as long as students are reaching the same destination—solving the math problem—does it really matter how they got there? For students with learning differences or those in underfunded schools, AI could be the lifeline that helps them keep up with their peers.

Still, there’s a gray area here. Gauth markets itself as an AI-powered study tool, meant to guide students through tricky problems. The app even includes an “Honor Code,” urging students to use it responsibly and resist the temptation to cheat. But let’s be real—students are students. The temptation to let AI handle their homework for them will be tough to resist.


Are Teachers Missing the Bigger Picture?

Right now, much of the conversation about AI in education centers around how to prevent students from using it to cheat. But by focusing so much on writing assignments, are educators missing the bigger picture?

AI has the potential to reshape the entire educational landscape, and that includes math. If teachers can find a way to integrate AI into their lessons, instead of viewing it as the enemy, it could open up new opportunities for personalised learning. For example, AI could generate custom practice problems tailored to a student’s weak spots, giving them more targeted help where they need it most.

However, if teachers ignore the rise of AI in math, we might see students coasting through their homework without really learning the material.


What Does the Future Hold for Math Homework?

If apps like Gauth continue to grow in popularity, we might be witnessing the beginning of the end for traditional math homework. Students are already breathing a sigh of relief at the thought, but it’s not clear how teachers and parents will respond.

Will they embrace AI as a helpful study tool, or will they see it as a threat to learning? And what happens to math education if AI tools keep improving? These are questions we don’t have answers to yet—Gauth can’t calculate that for us, either.

But one thing’s certain: AI is here to stay, and it’s changing the way we approach education, for better or worse.


FAQs

  1. What is Gauth, and how does it work?Gauth is an AI-powered app that helps students solve math problems by providing step-by-step solutions. You simply take a picture of the problem, and the app generates an answer along with explanations.

  2. Is using AI apps like Gauth considered cheating?It depends on how you use it. Gauth has an “Honor Code” encouraging responsible use, but if students rely solely on the app to complete homework without trying to understand the material, it could be considered cheating.

  3. Can Gauth solve all types of math problems?Gauth works well with high-school-level math, like algebra and geometry. However, it struggles with more advanced topics like calculus, especially with graphing problems.

  4. Will AI tools replace traditional math homework?It’s possible. As AI tools improve, they could change how students approach homework, but teachers will likely need to adapt to ensure students still learn the underlying concepts.


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