How well can AI solve maths word problems?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in solving mathematical word problems, showcasing its ability to understand, interpret, and solve complex queries. This capability stems from advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. AI systems like ChatGPT can parse the language in a word problem, identify the relevant mathematical concepts, and apply appropriate algorithms to find a solution.

I saw this really interesting video from @TheRoyalInstitution about linear
mathematics where they tested ChatGPT with a mathematical word problem. You know
the ones from Facebook that are typically vague so everyone gives different
answers. I gave this maths problem a run through ChatGPT 3.5 and 4, Copilot in
its three modes and Google Bard so see how they got on!
 

However, the effectiveness of AI in solving math word problems can vary based on several factors:

• Complexity of the Problem: AI performs well with basic arithmetic and algebra problems but may struggle with higher-level mathematics like calculus or abstract algebra.
• Clarity of Language: If the problem is phrased ambiguously or has critical information missing, AI might misinterpret the requirements, leading to incorrect solutions.
• Contextual Understanding: AI systems are getting better at understanding context, but some problems that require deep domain-specific knowledge or real-world context might still pose a challenge.
• Algorithmic Limitations: Some complex mathematical problems might be beyond the current algorithmic capabilities of AI, especially those that require creative or non-standard approaches.

In summary, while AI has become a powerful tool for solving many types of mathematical word problems, its effectiveness can be limited by the problem's complexity, the clarity of its language, the depth of contextual understanding required, and the inherent limitations of current AI algorithms.

Summary: AI's Capability in Solving Math Word Problems

AI, particularly advanced systems like ChatGPT, is adept at solving a range of mathematical word problems, especially in areas like basic arithmetic and algebra. Its performance is influenced by the complexity of the problem, the clarity and specificity of the language used, the requirement for contextual understanding, and the limitations of current AI algorithms. While AI shows promise in this field, certain complex and context-heavy problems may still pose challenges.