Introduction to Solving

Welcome to the Solve training! It should teach you how to create high-quality Photomath
Solutions, from which users around the world will learn math.

Track your progress through the Solve training in the flowchart below (left side). You can also
see the outline of the upcoming Generic course (right side):
If at any point during the training you experience a bug or a connectivity problem you cannot
overcome, report it via mail at portal@photomath.net.
Good luck on your path toward becoming a Math Expert!
ed in PM Solution

Visual Sequence - a unit of the PM Solution used to display two or more consecutive and related
graphs/sketches/tables, it is perceived as one Solving Step with two or more Substeps

Math Sequence – a unit of the PM Solution that can be used for manual calculations in the
Input-Description-Output, it has at least three Substeps and it visually imitates a Solving Step
with PM Solver

Sequence Substep - a unit of the Visual Sequence or the Math Sequence that provides one piece
of information (one Visual Content or one step of the calculation)

Primary Color - represents the BLUE color that is used for coloring Text Content, LaTeX
Content and Visual Content

Secondary Color - represents the GREEN color that is used for coloring Text Content, LaTeX
Content and Visual Content

Tertiary Color - represents the ORANGE color that is used for coloring Text Content, LaTeX
Content and Visual Content

Math Sequence LaTeX Color – represents the RED color that is used for coloring LaTeX
Content within Substeps of a Math Sequence (except for the first one)

PM Solver - A Photomath software that provides automated solutions for different kinds of math
problems. The software can be used to solve any math problem that it supports.

Hint - an external link that is attached to a part of the Text Content in a Solving Step and it
provides a definition and/or a formula that serves as a reminder of a certain math concept that the
User has learned

Input - Description - Output - represents a specific form of a Solving Step (often several
consecutive Solving Steps) that is used when algebraic manipulations (or calculations) are
performed manually, it is often abbreviated to IDO

Warning - If there is a yellow triangle in the Editor, it means that there is a Warning. A Warning
points to a common mistake in a PM Solution which does not affect the User’s understanding of
the PM Solution and the task with which the Solution can still be saved.
Error - If there is a red triangle in the Editor, it means that there is an Error. An Error shows that
a certain necessary condition for a PM Solution is not (yet) satisfied. If any of the necessary
conditions are not satisfied, the Solution cannot be saved.

Photomath Solution Qualities

The purpose of the Photomath Solution is to facilitate the math learning process by providing
step-by-step instructions to students, parents, and teachers all over the world, from middle school
to college, in an affordable manner. The following properties best describe the significance of the
Photomath Solution, so we call them PM Solution Qualities:

 Methodical
 Coherent
 Economical

A detailed description of each Solution Quality is given below. Also, at the links given below
each Solution Quality, you can see a Task and its corresponding PM Solution. Read them
carefully and notice how each Solution best represents the given Solution Qualities.

Methodical

 Task-solving methods and procedures, vocabulary and intellectual concepts have to be

appropriate for the age and previously acquired knowledge of the User who will read the PM
Solution to learn from it.

 Solutions have to be educational - providing explanations of underlying mathematical concepts

instead of just informing the student.

 Explanations have to be easy to follow, with simple sentence structure whenever possible.

 To provide better clarity, a PM Solution should be enriched with Visual Content such as graphs,
sketches or tables whenever appropriate.

https://portal.photomath.net/task/3GYDXQJG

https://portal.photomath.net/task/W5Q2X1NG

https://portal.photomath.net/task/PV884Y7V

https://portal.photomath.net/task/MVZ4893G

https://portal.photomath.net/task/2GXL74NG
Coherent

 Each Step has to be concise, brief and substantial. It should convey a complete statement.

 Information given in a single Step must follow from the preceding Steps or from the context of
the task. There should be a clear relation between consecutive Solving Steps.

 The step-by-step solution should provide clear and understandable information and it should be
easy to follow.

https://portal.photomath.net/task/B53YYY4G

https://portal.photomath.net/task/PVLQAAZ5

https://portal.photomath.net/task/2GX3362V

https://portal.photomath.net/task/1VERZXAG

https://portal.photomath.net/task/654AD8PV

Economical

 Consider the effort put in creating the PM Solution and the impact it has upon a User's learning
process. The effort shouldn’t be greater than the impact the PM Solution will have.

 Create all the necessary solving procedures and visuals but do not spend more time and resources
than necessary.

https://portal.photomath.net/task/2GXL8Q2G

https://portal.photomath.net/task/E579N3AG

https://portal.photomath.net/task/E579XN4G

https://portal.photomath.net/task/W5QNKNK5

https://portal.photomath.net/task/3GYDE6JG

The Header of the Photomath

Portal
After you create an account at portal.photomath.net, the Portal interface contains the Header that
is shown in the image below:

When you click on the Photomath logo, you are transferred to the homepage of the Portal. Here
you can find your personal referral link (used to recommend Photomath Portal to friends), a
shortcut to the Solve/Review tab and the news section.

TRAINING - here you can choose one or more math areas in which you want to become a
proficient Photomath Math Expert, start tests and training for the math area(s) you chose and see
an overview of your status and proficiency for each math area at any moment

SOLVE/REVIEW - here you solve and review tasks from the math field or fields in which you
became a qualified PM Math Expert

PAYMENTS - here you can see your payouts and the status of each solving or reviewing job
you performed

DEMO - here you can try all of the features and see what solving and/or reviewing looks like

STANDARDS - here you can open a website with all information needed to successfully solve
tasks and review Solutions; you’ll learn more about this website later in this course

Use your name in the right corner to access your profile, where you can check your personal
information, agreements, and proficiency status, or to log out.

Solve/Review Interface
After becoming an official Photomath Math Expert, you will be able to solve different tasks and,
eventually, also review written PM Solutions. At the beginning of your career, you will only be
able to solve tasks, but after you gain some experience you will be able to review tasks.

Watch the following video to learn the basic elements of the SOLVE/REVIEW Interface and
how to navigate through it.

If you prefer to learn about the Solve/Review Interface through text, rather than the video, visit
the page Solve/Review Interface.
Toolbar
After you take a task for solving, you will use the Editor's toolbar to write Steps in your PM
Solution.

In this video, you will learn how to create various types of Solving Steps, write mathematical
expressions and equations in the Editor, how to add images and tables, how to use the PM Solver
and how to provide quality PM Solutions using Hints and coloring.

Watch the following video to learn the basic features of the TOOLBAR and how to navigate
through it.

If you prefer to learn about the Toolbar through text, rather than the video, visit the
page Toolbar.

The following video highlights the importance of using LaTeX in PM Solutions and serves as an
introduction to this document preparation system.

You will learn more about LaTeX later in this course.

Also, on this page, you can find the information given in the video above, if you prefer to be
introduced to LaTeX through text. The list of all LaTeX commands commonly used in PM
Solutions can be found here.

Demo
The DEMO tab imitates the Solve/Review Interface, so you can use it to try all of the features
that Solve/Review Interface contains. You can check all the buttons the Editor contains, how PM
Solver works or what can be found in the Base of Hints. You can also find out what each part of
the Solve/Review Interface looks like and find out the purpose of each element in the Interface.

There is also a question mark button, called Start intro. Its purpose is to navigate you through
the Solve/Review Interface and to describe each button, feature or part of the Interface, to help
you learn or to serve as a reminder.
Watch the following video to see the basic
elements of the DEMO Interface and how to
navigate through it. Photomath Solution
Rules
Photomath Solution Rules are a set of general principles that must be followed in order to create
high-quality content that helps the User easily understand the solution of the given problem.

They represent the basic criteria that must be fulfilled in order for a PM Solution to qualify as
properly written. More precisely, if any rule is broken, the PM Solution is considered incorrect
and requires modification.

There are eleven Solution Rules and all of them should be respected in each solving procedure,
to make sure it is educational and of high quality. However, they are divided into two groups
according to their importance.

Critical Rules
Critical Solution Rules are the main conditions that need to be fulfilled in each PM Solution:
they are necessary for the Solution to be useful and educational. These four Rules ensure that
each task is solved completely and the solving procedure is correct:

 Math
o The whole PM Solution has to be mathematically correct. That includes correct
calculations, correct reasoning, the correct use of graphs and math concepts.

 Clear explanation
o Use a method appropriate for the knowledge of the User and the requirements of the task.
The PM Solution has to include a detailed explanation of the whole solving procedure.

 Complete Solution
o Fulfill all the requirements of the task and provide a complete answer to all of its
questions.

 Precision
o Use terminology appropriately and correctly and represent all mathematical objects
accurately. Each Step has to precisely match the solving procedure as a whole.
Quality Improvement Rules
Quality Improvement Rules refer to the technical and aesthetic components of a PM Solution.
They are set to maintain the high quality of Solutions, as well as increase their interactivity and
value for the User in the Photomath App. These seven Rules ensure that each Solution is
properly styled, high-quality, and easy to follow:

 LaTeX
o Write all mathematical objects in LaTeX. This includes variables, numbers, formulas,
symbols, years, amount of days, measurements, etc.

 Language
o Write the whole solving procedure for a task in English, in a grammatically correct way,
and use full sentences.

 Legal
o Modify any part of Task Content that you reproduce in the Solution. Only mathematical
and other technical terms can remain the same.

 Solution Step
o Write the answers to all the requirements of the task in the Solution Step, without
referring to the Solving Steps.

 Color-coordination
o Within a Step, color the corresponding elements in the Visual Content, Block LaTeX,
text or Inline LaTeX using the same color.

 Visual Content
o Create any Visual Content on your own, using the proper colors. Visual Content should
be mathematically correct, and all important elements should be clearly visible in the
Previewer.

 Step Form
o Use the appropriate Step form: each Solving Step in the PM Solution should contain one
complete statement or provide one new conclusion.

The main difference between the four Critical Rules and the Quality Improvement Rules is that a
Solution that does not follow the Quality Improvement Rules (unlike the Critical Rules) may still
be educational. However, following them is still required, to maintain the quality and appropriate
style, and to increase the value of the Solution for the User.

Math
Critical Rule
This Rule is the first Critical rule since a Solution that breaks it is mathematically incorrect and
can even mislead and damage the learning process of the User in the Photomath app.

The whole PM Solution has to be mathematically correct. That includes correct

calculations, correct reasoning, the correct use of graphs and math concepts.

The following requirements must be respected:

 All the calculations you perform have to be correct and all manipulations done in
accordance with algebraic properties and proper formulas. All the values or data you use
in the calculations have to be accurate.

 All the mathematical concepts (theorems, definitions, Hints, etc.) that you use in the
solving procedure have to be correctly explained and suitable for the context.

 Any Visual Content added to the Solution (graphs, geometric figures, diagrams, etc.) has
to be mathematically correct.

 All the conclusions you make during the solving procedure have to be valid and the
reasoning must be correct.

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PV884Y7V - the volume of the spherical cap is

calculated using the formula

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/3GYKWA65 - the quantity of a liquid in a container is

graphically displayed as it changes over time

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Math rule, whenever you need to revisit
it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the examples in the
video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Clear explanation
Critical Rule
This Rule is the second Critical Rule since a Solution that does not follow it, even if
mathematically correct, has no educational value. It may also be additionally confusing to the
User of the Photomath app.

Use a method appropriate for the knowledge of the User and the requirements of the task.
The PM Solution has to include a detailed explanation of the whole solving procedure.

The following requirements must be respected:

 The solving method must be appropriate for the age and previously acquired knowledge
of the User who will read the PM Solution to learn from it.

 If a task requires a particular method of solving, this method must be used in the PM
Solution.

 The Solving Steps must provide a detailed explanation of all parts of the solving
procedure, of all required calculations or any Visual Content that might be added.

Also, make sure you never have just Visual Content in a Step, just Block LaTeX or just PM
Solver without proper explanation. The point is not just to give the answer, but to provide the
User with an explanation about what is being done in each particular Step.

Always keep in mind the intended User and their expected level of knowledge when solving.
Also, it is better to overexplain a procedure or a concept than to overestimate the User’s prior
knowledge.

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/53MRA4PG - the divisibility of a number is determined

using divisibility tests
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PVLQLLQ5 - the asymptote of the graph of the given
exponential function has to be determined
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/Y5DJMD25 - a system of equations has to be created
and solved using a specific method: elimination

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Clear explanation rule, whenever you
need to revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the
examples in the video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.
omplete Solution
Critical Rule

This is the third Critical Rule, since a Solution that breaks it does not provide the User with all
the information required by the task, so a part of the task remains unclear. Also, if the wrong task
is solved in the Solution, it is not even partially useful or educational.

Fulfill all the requirements of the task and provide a complete answer to all of its questions.

The following requirements must be respected:

 If there are multiple questions and/or requirements in a certain task, all of them have to
be answered in the PM Solution.

 If the task calls for verification, Visual Content (graphs, diagrams), explanations or
proofs, this also has to be included in the Solution.

 Provide the Solution for the task you received, not the task in the Example Content or a
task that might be provided as additional information. Elements of the task you need to
solve will always be in the Task Content and marked with a green rectangular
border (find out more about different parts of Task Content here).

There is a wide variety of tasks and their requirements. Sometimes, the task requires answering
only one question, and for others, there are multiple requirements. Also, sometimes the
requirement is to construct a shape or body. In some tasks, it is necessary to conclude something
from the given information, while some tasks require coming up with an example. A requirement
of the task may also be to explain the answer, compare answers, verify them and similar.

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/MVZ4893G - the graph of the parabola has to be created

from the given equation, and the focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry have to be
identified
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/W5QNKNK5 - the coordinates of the vertices of a
triangle are given, and the task is to determine whether it is a right triangle and explain
how the answer is reached
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/MVZ6L21V - an error in the given solving procedure
should be found and corrected
  https://portal.photomath.net/task/A56EMZ15 - the system of equations has to be solved
by graphing and the answers have to be checked

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Complete Solution rule, whenever you
need to revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the
examples in the video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Precision
Critical Rule

The Solution with a Precision error may not have an incorrect final result, but it does still contain
a mathematical mistake which, however minor, can confuse Users’ understanding of a certain
part of the solving procedure. For that reason, the Precision rule is the fourth Critical Rule and it
must also always be respected.

Use terminology appropriately and correctly and represent all mathematical objects
accurately. Each Step has to precisely match the solving procedure as a whole.

The following requirements must be respected:

 The terminology you use in each Step of the PM Solution must precisely correspond to
the mathematical object or concept you describe.

 Use appropriate verbs when explaining any solving procedure. This is especially
important in calculations or algebraic manipulations, whether in the intro text for the PM
Solver or in the Input-Description-Output form.

 The math symbols you use have to be appropriate for the context and appropriately
placed in statements.

 All mathematical terms and objects in the Solution must match the given task. If you
create your PM Solution using an example, all parts have to be modified to correspond to
your task.

In conclusion, always double-check to make sure that all the math terms and verbs you used or
math symbols and statements you wrote are properly written and correctly shown in the
Previewer.

You can find out more about appropriate and precise usage of most common mathematical
symbols, terms, and verbs on the following page: How to use math language appropriately.
The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/3GB2W3EV - the number of animals is given as a

function of time and should be evaluated for a specific value
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/B53ARLRG - using the given sketch and angle
measure, the rest of the angle measures have to be calculated
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/XV93EZDV - the given exponential equation has to be
solved

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Precision rule, whenever you need to
revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the examples
in the video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

LaTeX
Quality Improvement Rule

Write all mathematical objects in LaTeX. This includes variables, numbers, formulas,
symbols, years, amount of days, measurements, etc.

The following requirements must be respected:

 All mathematical objects/symbols have to be written in LaTeX. You can find needed
LaTeX commands for a great number of math situations here.

 Mathematical objects written in LaTeX must be shown correctly and be clearly and
completely visible in the Previewer. If a LaTeX expression or its part is displayed
incorrectly, recheck it in the Editor and fix it so that the Previewer shows it correctly.

The reason why all mathematical objects are written in LaTeX is that the use of LaTeX for
mathematical symbols is a common standard when writing mathematical texts. Also, there are
many very common mathematical symbols and objects that cannot be accurately represented at
all without LaTeX: fractions, indices, integrals, etc.

When the whole solving procedure is written, look again at the Previewer. If there is something
that is usually written in LaTeX, but you wrote it outside of LaTeX, a Warning will be shown in
the upper right corner of the Solve/Review Interface to remind you to check those characters:
In these cases, look again at the content written in the Editor, check if these characters should be
in LaTeX, and improve the PM Solution where needed, so that the entire solving procedure is in
accordance with this rule.

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the example mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/3GBAM96V - the first three iterations of a function

with the given starting value have to be determined

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: LaTeX rule, whenever you need to
revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find a textual explanation of how the example
from the video follows this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Language
Quality Improvement Rule

Writing Solutions using correct and clear English language is very important to pass on
knowledge to the Photomath App User. Not following this Rule might result in misconceptions
or confusion for the Users reading the Solution.

Write the whole solving procedure for a task in English, in a grammatically correct way,
and use full sentences.

The following requirements must be respected:

 Use full sentences in each Step of the PM Solution. For example, one standalone math
expression is not acceptable in a PM Solution.

 Start sentences with capital letters and use appropriate punctuation marks.

 Use full words, without abbreviations, and with the correct spelling, especially for
mathematical terms and phrases.
  Answer the task question directly, precisely, and without giving a complex explanation in
one sentence. Use several short sentences instead of one complex sentence.

 Write either imperative sentences to give instructions or neutral statements to provide

information or conclusions. The text should never directly refer either to you as the Math
Expert or to the final User reading the Solution. For this reason, it is essential that you do
not use the pronouns "I", “we” or “you” when writing your PM Solutions.

In other words, in order to provide a complete solution, the explanatory sentences must also be
complete. Make sure that all thought processes needed for understanding are represented fully, as
if you are tutoring the User in person.

Although pronouns referring to the writer of the Solution and its intended reader are not allowed,
the pronouns referring to the people and objects from Task Content can be used regularly, as in
the sentences: “She bought 3 apples.” or “They own one car more than their neighbors.”

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule, as well as provides advice on how to
avoid common Language errors:

Here you can find the example mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/XV2K1QQG - the first five terms of a sequence have to

be calculated

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Language rule, whenever you need to
revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find a textual explanation of how the example
from the video follows this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Legal
Quality Improvement Rule

Each task is the intellectual property of its creator, which means that copyright, legal right of the
creator, applies.

Modify any part of Task Content that you reproduce in the Solution. Only mathematical
and other technical terms can remain the same.

The following requirements must be respected:

 Wording:
 o Real-life objects and terms that appear in the Task Content must be modified in
some way when mentioned in the PM Solution.
o Reproducing a sequence of 3 or more words exactly as they appear in the Task
Content is not allowed (except for theorems or other math-related phrases).
o Mathematical and technical terms and expressions mentioned in the Task Content
can remain unchanged.

 When reproducing original Visual Content given in the task, modify it in some way.

 Do not precisely identify previous tasks (or their parts) if you refer to them. Use more
vague phrases such as "From the previous task...." or "As it was (already/previously)
calculated,...”.

 If there are multiple possible solutions to a task, and the Task Content already contains
one possible solution, the PM Solution has to offer a different one. (For example, if the
task is to provide an example, the example in the PM Solution has to differ from the
example in the textbook solution.)

Wording

Most real-life problems include proper names, or specific objects or situations. To avoid
repeating them, use generic descriptions or synonyms or omit them altogether if possible. Keep
in mind that the User still needs to understand the Solution. All changes have to be logically
connected to the original, and the relation to the task has to remain clear.

Examples in the table below show the use of several generic descriptions for the original words
given in the task.

A word given in the

Generic description used in a PM Solution
task

Bag, ball, umbrella Object

Dog, cat, elephant Animal

Los Angeles, Chicago City

Bus, train, tram, car Vehicle

Anna, Jessica, Carol Girl, lady, woman, person

Examples in the table below show the use of synonyms.

 Commonly used synonyms

Object ⟺ figure

Wrong ⟺ incorrect

Mark ⟺ label ⟺ tag

Visual Content

If you need to create Visual Content to represent a graph, sketch, or a table already given in the
task, modify it before including it in the PM Solution. Some of the ways in which Visual Content
can be modified, while remaining correct and clear, are:

 Exchanging the rows and columns of a table to change its orientation

 Splitting a large table into several tables with a reduced number of columns and/or rows
 Showing only the relevant (to the requirements of the task) part of the Visual Content
 Modifying the x and y-axes in the coordinate plane
 Showing complex graphics using basic geometric shapes
 Changing the perspective (viewing window or orientation) of any Visual Content
(diagrams, shapes, graphs) when possible

In this video, you can see how the Legal rule is applied in practice on several different types of
tasks:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/Y5DPWPP5 - the width of the border that represents the

yellow flower bed should be calculated
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/GK3XN68G - the probability that two orders come from
the same restaurant has to be determined
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/W5QE3BJ5 - real-life examples for reflections have to
be displayed
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PVL2PBQG - the dependent and independent variables
have to be identified
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/VRPQALAG - a bar diagram has to be created to
represent the situation
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/8VM23MEV - the ratio of the perimeters has to be
compared to their scale factor and a conclusion has to be drawn

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Legal rule, whenever you need to revisit
it while solving. On that page, you can also find a textual explanation of how the first example
from the video follows this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.
Solution Step
Quality Improvement Rule

Only Photomath Plus Users can see the detailed explanation in the Solving Steps of every PM
Solution. Since we want to provide quality solutions to all Photomath Users, it is essential that
the Solution Step rule is respected.

Write the answers to all the requirements of the task in the Solution Step, without referring
to the Solving Steps.

The following requirements must be respected:

 A direct answer to the task question must be given in the Solution Step, obtained by
calculating or deducing in the Solving Steps. If there is more than one question, then all
of the questions must be answered.

 The elements that can be used in the Solution Step are text, LaTeX, and Visual

Content, but there cannot be more than one image (graph/sketch/table). If the task
requires more than one Visual Content, choose only one of them (the most relevant one)
for the Solution Step (remember: other visuals should be included in the Solving Steps).

 If the task doesn’t require specific answers or it requires explaining or proving a certain
phenomenon, then the Solution Step contains a summary of all the Solving Steps or the
main idea used in solving.

 The Solution Step should be an independent statement (or several independent

statements). It shouldn’t start with words that refer to the Solving Steps such as
“therefore”, “hence” or “so”. It also shouldn’t directly mention Solving Steps.

In other words, the point is to use the Solving Steps to explain how to obtain the answers to the
questions asked in the task, and to use the Solution Step to provide all the required answers.

Any Visual Content must be connected to a textual description and any LaTeX expression must
either be part of a complete sentence or be introduced by a complete sentence.

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

  https://portal.photomath.net/task/MVZ4893G - the graph of the parabola has to be created
from the given equation, and the focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry have to be
identified
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/E573Z9DG - the exponential inequality has to be solved
using two methods: a table and a graph
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/B53AZR4G - the task requires an explanation for the
given congruence

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Solution Step rule, whenever you need to
revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the examples
in the video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Color-coordination
Quality Improvement Rule

When this rule is followed correctly, it can clarify an otherwise complicated situation or
highlight a change in the Step. If not followed correctly, it can confuse the Photomath App User
or even lead to a wrong conclusion.

Within a Step, color the corresponding elements in the Visual Content, Block LaTeX, text
or Inline LaTeX using the same color.

The following situations must be color-coordinated:

 Numbers, values or variables substituted into the formula given by the Hint or in
the Input-Description-Output form

 Relevant elements in Visual Content and in the corresponding parts of the text/LaTeX
description:
o When presenting new or added elements in Visual Content, they should be
colored both in Visual Content and in the description.
o When reading from a graph/sketch/table, relevant elements mentioned in a certain
Step/Substep should be colored both in Visual Content and in the description.

 The change happening from Input to Output in the Input-Description-Output form

Colors focus the User’s attention on important relations within a Step. They must be used in the
situations listed above, but they can also be used to emphasize corresponding elements in any
other situation that may not have been mentioned, as long as it makes sense.
If there is only one set of elements that need to be related in a Step, use only one color, two
colors for two sets of elements and three for three sets of elements. No more than three sets of
elements can be color-coordinated in one Step, since there are only three available colors.

Color-coordination is only relevant within one Step, it is not inherited through Steps or valid
within the entire PM Solution. Therefore, if you used primary and secondary color in one Step
and you also need to use colors in the following Step, you can use primary or secondary color
again, or both, or all three available colors, according to how many different sets of elements
need to be colored.

The following video shows various applications of this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/QGA7EBNV - the graph of the given quadratic function

is required
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PVLQAAZ5 - the six trigonometric functions have to be
evaluated for a certain angle in a triangle
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PV8JBY7V - the given function has to be graphed, and
the vertex and axis of symmetry labeled
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/XV2K1QQG - the first five terms of a sequence have to
be calculated
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/GAJK8KLG - the height of the largest possible object
has to be determined

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Color-coordination rule, whenever you
need to revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the
first two examples from the video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Visual Content
Quality Improvement Rule

Visual Content is the collective name for graphs, sketches and tables. It is created using various
programs, of which we recommend Geogebra, Illustrator and Figma. You will learn how to
create Visual Content, especially using our Table Editor and GeoGebra, later in your solve
training. This rule (with all other Solution Rules) provides several conditions that must be met in
any Visual Content you create.
Create any Visual Content on your own, using the proper colors. Visual Content should be
mathematically correct, and all important elements should be clearly visible in the
Previewer.

The following requirements must be respected:

 Any Visual Content added to a PM Solution must be created by the Math Expert writing
this Solution. The only exception is if appropriate Visual Content is found within another
PM Solution. Never use visuals found in Task Content or outside of PM Solutions or
Standards.
 When creating Visual Content, use only the allowed colors in appropriate
shades: primary (blue), secondary (green) and tertiary (orange). Sketches that
represent real-life situations can be colored using other colors, but only if they don’t have
to be color-coordinated with any part of the description.
 All Visual Content has to be mathematically correct (this is covered first and foremost
by the Math rule).
 All relevant elements of Visual Content have to be shown in the Previewer. They must
be clearly displayed and easy to read.

Remember: whenever a task requires Visual Content, Visual Content must be created by the
Complete Solution rule. However, additional Visual Content is never redundant even when it is
not required, as long as it is clear and correct, appropriate for the given task and it describes the
problem properly.

If you need an image to explain the procedure towards the solution, it is recommended that you
create Visual Content. If you need to visualize something, the User probably also needs to
visualize it to understand the Solution.

Visual Content should always be paired with a proper description: either plain text or a
combination of text and LaTeX.

The following video shows how to properly apply this rule:

Here you can find the examples mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PV8JBY7V - the given function has to be graphed, and

the vertex and axis of symmetry labeled
 https://portal.photomath.net/task/PV884Y7V - the volume of a spherical cap is calculated
using the formula
You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Visual Content rule, whenever you need
to revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the
examples in the video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Step Form
Quality Improvement Rule

The Step Form rule is defined to ensure one of the main qualities of Photomath Solutions is
always maintained. Providing information gradually, instead of overwhelming the User with
many conclusions, is the best way to help process information more easily.

Use the appropriate Step form: each Solving Step in the PM Solution should contain one
complete statement or provide one new conclusion.

The following requirements must be respected:

 Each Solving Step in the PM Solution must be brief and contain one logical statement or
conclusion. Wherever possible, use simple sentence structure.
 You can combine multiple statements in a Step if they are repeated from the previous
Steps and there is only one new conclusion or piece of information.
 The Solution Step can contain multiple statements, since it should contain answers to all
requirements of the task.
 All algebraic manipulations performed manually must be written in the Input-
Description-Output form: Input and Output are Block LaTeX expressions and
Description is an explanatory sentence specifying the change happening from Input to
Output.

In most cases, this means that the text of each Solving Step should be no more than a couple of
sentences in no more than two paragraphs. There are Warnings for too many characters in a Step
and too many characters in a paragraph, use them as guidelines in this matter. If there is
additional content, such as Block LaTeX paragraphs, Visual Content, or the PM Solver, try to
restrict the Text Content to one paragraph.
In the Input-Description-Output form, as mentioned above, the text is restricted to one paragraph
- Description. For consecutive Steps in this form, the Input in each Step should match the Output
of the preceding one, since each step of the calculation must be explained by the Clear
explanation rule.

The following video shows correct applications of this rule on an example:

Here you can find the example mentioned in the video:

 https://portal.photomath.net/task/XV9YX6D5 - the radius of the circle has to be

calculated using the provided sketch

The following video shows a detailed explanation of an important aspect of the Step form rule:
the Input-Description-Output form.

Certain aspects mentioned in the video have changed since the time it was recorded. The Editor,
Previewer, and Standards page now have a different look! Also, the Input-Description-Output
form rule used to be separate, as it is mentioned in the video, but it is now part of the Step Form
rule:

You can also read about this rule on its Standards page: Step Form rule, whenever you need to
revisit it while solving. On that page, you can also find textual explanations of how the examples
in the Step Form video follow this rule if you find it easier to follow text than video.

Common mistakes
While our team reviewed written PM Solutions, we noticed that some mistakes are more
common than others. We created a list of those mistakes below, together with instructions on
how to correct them, to help you avoid them when writing your PM Solutions.

Breaking Critical rules

1. Using wrong or inappropriate terms and symbols

 Always make sure you are using the correct terminology to describe mathematical
objects. For instance, distinguish expression/equation/inequality, or congruent/equal. If
approximate values are emphasized, it has to be clear from the sentence by using terms
like “about”, “around” or “approximately”.
 Correct symbols should also be used. The symbol "" signifies equality and is used only
for exact values while the symbol “” signifies approximation and is used for rounded and
approximate values.
  If you are using a Hint of a Theorem to prove a statement, make sure it refers to the
correct Theorem and not its Converse. For example, the Parallelogram Diagonals
Theorem states that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect, while the Parallelogram
Diagonals Converse states that if the diagonals of a quadrilateral bisect, that quadrilateral
is a parallelogram.

2. Incomplete or imprecise intro text for the PM Solver and/or Description text of the
Input-Description-Output form

 The intro text of the PM Solver and the Description of a Step in IDO form are crucial in
providing the user with detailed information about the solving procedure. Do not use only
general terms like “simplify” (which is an OK term in some cases). Try to be as specific
as possible, providing the property or theorem used in the process whenever possible.

3. Not answering all the questions of the task

 Once you write your PM Solution, re-read the task to make sure all the questions have
been answered. If additional explanations are required, include them in the solving
procedure and in the Solution Step.
 All the required verifications, Visual Content (graphs, diagrams), explanations, or proofs,
have to be included in the Solution.

4. The wrong solving method is used in the PM Solution

 Make sure that if a method is required by the task, you use this method to solve the task.
Also, if a certain method is unsuitable for the knowledge level of the intended User, don’t
use it (you can judge the expected knowledge level by the math field). For instance, the
minima and maxima of a function in an Algebra task should not be calculated using
derivatives.
 If you are using the PM Solver, always double-check which solving process it uses, to
ensure it corresponds to the one required by the task or that it is appropriate to the field.
For example, if a system of equations should be solved using elimination, make sure that
this method is within the PM Solver, rather than substitution or some other method.

Breaking Quality Improvement rules

1. Copying the original graph/sketch/table from the Task Content

 Never copy the original parts of the Task Content, since it is the intellectual property of
its creator. Create your own Visual Content in one of the recommended software
(Geogebra, Adobe Illustrator, Figma), or using a software of your choice, and include it
in the Solution. If you find Visual Content appropriate for your Solution in another,
already written PM Solution, you can (re)use it.
2. LaTeX or Visual Content doesn’t render properly in the Previewer

 Always take a look at the Previewer to check if everything included in the PM Solution is
rendered properly. It is very important, because the Previewer shows how the PM
Solution appears for the User in the Photomath App.
 Make sure that each LaTeX expression is written correctly, so it can be rendered
correctly. Do not ignore lines in the Previewer that point out the wrong use of LaTeX.
 Make sure that included Visual Content is not too big or too small for the dimensions of a
Step. Every object or notation shown in the Visual Content must be visible and easy to
read in the Previewer.

3. Wrong use of color-coordination

 The only reason to use colors is to emphasize the relation between corresponding parts of
the Visual Content, Block LaTeX, text or Inline LaTeX within the same Step, so do not
color-coordinate elements that appear in different Steps. In each Step, the use of colors is
independent of how they are used in the other Steps.

4. Wrong use of Input-Description-Output form

 Input and Output are mathematical statements, each of them written in Block LaTeX. Do
not write more than one Block LaTeX paragraph for Input and Output because a Step
would be crowded with too many elements and the Step Form rule would be broken.
 Description is a textual paragraph that may contain Text and Inline LaTeX Content.
Write a complete sentence that specifies the change happening from the Input to the
Output.

5. Wrong color shades

 Only 3 colors are available for Text/LaTeX Content in the Editor: primary (blue),
secondary (green) and tertiary (orange). When you create your own Visual Content, also
use only these colors, with the given color codes. Do not use random shades of blue,
green or orange color because the Visual Content rule would be broken.

What if I submit a PM Solution with mistakes?

When you submit your PM Solution, it goes through the reviewing process. If the reviewers
determine that a rule is broken, the Solution will be returned to you for correction. Once you take
it, you will see the reviewers’ feedback in the Editor: which PM Solution Rules were broken,
what the mistake is and how this mistake should be corrected.

Below you can see a couple of example feedbacks (different colors mark different reviewers) and
the preview of the Steps for which this feedback was given:
There are a couple of limitations related to returned PM Solutions, to increase the availability of
tasks for Math Experts:

 Once reviewers return your PM Solution for correction, you have 12 hours to take it, or it is
automatically skipped and another Expert will correct it.
 For each task, you get up to 3 attempts to solve it: the original attempt + 2 attempts to correct the
Solution.

If you realize you don’t know how to correct a returned Solution, or you don’t have time for it,
you can also skip it immediately - this will have no negative impact on your position as a Math
Expert. Likewise, you can take a returned Solution somebody else skipped and correct it.
Before you submit the corrected Solution, make sure you check the entire Solution one more
time, not only the corrected part(s), to make sure everything is correct, well-explained, and
complete.