Tech giant Google has updated its search engine after it announced that search now provides users with more help on complex subjects like trigonometry and calculus.
Announcing this upgrade, Google wrote,
“Whether you’re delving into a math textbook or turning to Search to get more context on a complicated physics problem, it can sometimes be hard to describe exactly what you’re looking for. Take that intricate biology concept or pesky geometry problem, for example. With new features across Search and Lens, you can now visualize STEM-related concepts and figure out which equation to use by browsing for them in a more natural and intuitive way”.
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After an equation or integral is typed in the search bar, it will be followed with a step-by-step explanation and solution to help students visualize and solve tricky problems.
Meanwhile, for Geometry, the tech giant disclosed that Google Lens can now interpret both the visual and the text components of triangle problems. As users won’t be able to draw shapes into the search bar, uploading a photo of the equation is the best way to go.
Google’s upgraded feature will help users identify the known and unknown values, as well as understand which formulas to use and when so that they can better solve these problems going forward.
Additionally, for physics questions, Google search will highlight the known and unknown values and then show the correct formula to use for that particular equation.
The maths update is currently live on the desktop and the mobile app. Google states that users can type the phrase “math solver” in the search bar, to try out their new experience on the desktop.
Google wrote,
“It can feel frustrating when you are trying to solve a math problem and aren’t quite sure what the next step should be. Now, when you look up the problem on Search, you will be able to get even more help in subjects like trigonometry and calculus.
“Simply type your equation or integral into the Search bar, or take a picture with Lens, to see a step-by-step explanation and solution. You can also type “math solver” to give the experience a try on desktop and coming soon, on mobile”.
Alongside the mathematics help, Google is rolling out interactive 3D models for certain fields of science such as physics, biology, and chemistry. The diagrams will enable users to zoom into an object as well as provide definitions of what they are looking at.
With 3D models on search, users will be able to explore interactive diagrams containing definitions and overviews for almost 1,000 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Related topics.
Google is also leveraging large language models (LLMs) to let search better answer word problems, starting with many fundamental topics related to high school physics.
Recall that in March this year, the tech giant incorporated the Pathways Language Model (PaLM) into Bard for improved math and logic capabilities. This made possible answers to multi-step word and math problems.
As AI technology becomes the most in-demand technology with tech giants incorporating it into their systems, Google in response to the heated search space, is racing to build an all-new search engine powered by AI technology to stay ahead.