Symbolab vs Desmos: Which is Better?
Both Symbolab and Desmos are popular tools for solving mathematical problems, but they differ in their features, target audience, and overall functionality. Below is a comparison to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each platform.
1. Overview
- Symbolab:
- Symbolab is an online math solver that provides step-by-step solutions for various mathematical problems. It is particularly focused on helping students understand how to solve problems in algebra, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, and more.
- Symbolab’s primary strength lies in providing detailed step-by-step breakdowns for problems, making it a useful tool for learning and practice.
- Desmos:
- Desmos is an interactive graphing calculator that also provides a platform for solving equations and visualizing mathematical functions. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and the ability to create interactive graphs, making it ideal for both teaching and learning.
- While Desmos is primarily a graphing tool, it also provides some problem-solving capabilities, though its focus is more on visualization than detailed step-by-step solutions.
2. Mathematical Capabilities
- Symbolab:
- Covers a wide range of mathematical topics, including algebra, calculus, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, probability, and linear algebra.
- It provides step-by-step solutions for problems, especially for algebraic equations, integrals, derivatives, and other math topics.
- Symbolab also includes specific calculators for solving equations, derivatives, integrals, limits, and more.
- Desmos:
- Desmos is known for its graphing capabilities. It allows users to create interactive 2D and 3D graphs, plot functions, and visualize mathematical relationships.
- While Desmos does offer basic solving capabilities for algebraic equations, it does not provide step-by-step solutions like Symbolab. Instead, it is more focused on visualizing math through dynamic graphs.
- Desmos includes a scientific calculator, a graphing calculator, and the ability to solve basic equations and inequalities.
3. Step-by-Step Solutions
- Symbolab:
- Symbolab is known for its step-by-step solutions to problems. This feature is its key selling point, as it walks users through the problem-solving process in detail, making it easier for students to learn.
- Symbolab covers topics like integrals, derivatives, equations, inequalities, and trigonometric identities, providing detailed breakdowns of each step in the solution.
- Desmos:
- Desmos does not offer step-by-step solutions. It is primarily focused on helping users visualize equations and functions rather than explaining the solving process.
- Users can graph equations and see the relationships between variables, but they won’t receive a detailed explanation of the steps involved in solving the problem.
- Desmos is more suited for users who want to see the graph of an equation rather than understand the solution process step-by-step.
4. Graphing Capabilities
- Symbolab:
- Symbolab has a graphing calculator that can plot equations and functions, but it is not as advanced or interactive as Desmos.
- While Symbolab can graph functions, its primary purpose is to provide step-by-step solutions to problems rather than serving as a full-featured graphing tool.
- Desmos:
- Desmos is one of the best tools available for interactive graphing. It allows users to plot functions, inequalities, parametric equations, and even create animated graphs.
- The Desmos Graphing Calculator is a powerful tool for visualizing mathematical concepts, exploring mathematical relationships, and experimenting with equations.
- Desmos allows real-time interaction with graphs, enabling users to manipulate the graph’s behavior and zoom in on specific areas for a deeper understanding.
5. User Interface
- Symbolab:
- Symbolab has a clean, user-friendly interface that includes a math keyboard for easy input of equations and symbols. It is designed to be accessible to students of all levels.
- The step-by-step solutions are neatly presented, and users can easily navigate between different parts of the problem-solving process.
- Symbolab also has a search feature that allows users to find solutions to specific types of problems or topics.
- Desmos:
- Desmos has a minimalist and intuitive interface that focuses on providing a seamless experience for users working with graphs.
- The graphing area is large and interactive, making it easy to plot multiple functions and manipulate them in real-time.
- Desmos’ interface is ideal for visual learners who want to see how mathematical concepts and functions behave graphically.
6. Additional Features
- Symbolab:
- Step-by-step solutions for a wide range of math problems, including integrals, derivatives, equations, and inequalities.
- Specific calculators for different mathematical operations, such as equation solving, integration, and derivative calculation.
- Practice exercises to help students improve their math skills.
- Desmos:
- Dynamic graphing with the ability to manipulate graphs and observe changes in real-time.
- Activity Builder allows teachers to create interactive lessons and activities that incorporate Desmos graphs.
- Geometry tool for creating geometric constructions and visualizing relationships between shapes.
- Desmos classroom for collaborative work between students and teachers.
7. Pricing
- Symbolab:
- Free version: Basic problem-solving and graphing capabilities.
- Premium version: Unlocks unlimited access to step-by-step solutions, additional tools, and advanced features. The premium subscription is priced at around $7.99 per month or $29.99 for six months.
- Desmos:
- Desmos is completely free to use. All features, including the graphing calculator, geometry tool, and activity builder, are available at no cost.
- There is no premium version, making Desmos a highly accessible tool for both students and educators.
8. Target Audience
- Symbolab:
- Students at the high school and college level who need help understanding math concepts and solving problems step-by-step.
- Ideal for learners looking for a tool to guide them through problem-solving in algebra, calculus, and other areas of mathematics.
- Desmos:
- Students, teachers, and professionals who want to visualize and interact with mathematical functions and concepts.
- Excellent for graphing, geometry, and teaching purposes, making it ideal for educators and learners alike.
9. Accuracy and Reliability
- Symbolab:
- Symbolab provides accurate solutions based on standard mathematical methods. It’s reliable for solving most standard math problems, especially algebraic equations, integrals, and derivatives.
- The step-by-step solutions are based on traditional mathematical rules and conventions.
- Desmos:
- Desmos provides accurate graphs and mathematical visualizations. Its graphing engine is robust, and it is reliable for displaying and manipulating functions.
- However, it does not offer detailed explanations for the solutions and is more focused on providing graphical insights rather than computational results.
Conclusion
- Symbolab is best for students who need step-by-step guidance for solving mathematical problems and understanding the process. It’s ideal for students learning algebra, calculus, and other topics and looking for detailed breakdowns of each solution.
- Desmos is best for users who need an interactive graphing tool to visualize equations and mathematical concepts. It’s perfect for students, teachers, and anyone interested in experimenting with graphs and functions in real time.
If you’re focused on learning and understanding the steps involved in solving math problems, Symbolab is the better choice. However, if your primary need is visualizing mathematical relationships and creating interactive graphs, Desmos is the superior tool.