If you are a student working on algebra homework or a professional trying to calculate complex statistics, searching the internet for mathematical solutions can be frustrating. Standard search engines struggle to format exponents or calculus equations properly.
To assist with this, Microsoft integrated a powerful, AI-driven educational tool directly into its browser: the Microsoft Edge Math Solver. This feature allows you to highlight a mathematical equation on any webpage (or type one manually) and instantly receive not just the final answer, but step-by-step instructions on how to solve it.
How to Access the Math Solver
The Math Solver is built natively into Microsoft Edge, but it is typically hidden from the main toolbar to keep the browser interface clean.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the Settings and more button (the three horizontal dots in the top right corner).
- Hover your mouse over More tools in the dropdown menu.
- Click Math Solver.
A new panel will slide open on the right side of your screen. This is the Math Solver interface.
Tip: If you plan to use this feature frequently, click the small “pin” icon at the top of the Math Solver panel to permanently add it to your Edge toolbar.
How to Solve an Equation from a Webpage
The most powerful feature of the Math Solver is its optical character recognition (OCR), which allows it to “read” an equation embedded in a PDF, a digital textbook, or an image file.
- Navigate to the webpage or document containing the math problem you want to solve.
- In the Math Solver side panel, click the button labelled Select math problem. Your screen will dim slightly, and your mouse cursor will turn into a crosshair.
- Click and drag a box completely surrounding the equation on the webpage.
- A small popup will appear next to your selection. Click the Solve button.
Edge will scan the image, extract the numbers and symbols, and instantly process the calculation in the side panel.
How to Use the Math Keyboard
If your math problem is written on a physical piece of paper, you can type it manually instead of scanning it from the screen.
- In the Math Solver side panel, click the Type math problem button.
- A digital calculator keyboard will appear at the bottom of the panel.
- Use this specialized keyboard to input your equation. It includes standard arithmetic, as well as tabs for algebra, trigonometry, and calculus (allowing you to easily type complex symbols like square roots, pi, integrals, and derivatives).
- Press Enter to calculate the result.
Reviewing the Step-by-Step Solution
The Math Solver is designed as a learning tool, not just an answer generator. Once it calculates the final result, it will display a section titled Solution steps.
- Click on the Show solution steps dropdown to reveal the exact mathematical process required to reach the answer. This acts as a virtual tutor, explaining the logic behind the calculation.
- For algebra and geometry problems, the panel will often generate a 2D interactive graph, plotting the equation visually on a coordinate plane.
- At the very bottom of the panel, it will also provide links to related video tutorials (often from Khan Academy) to help you understand the core concepts behind the problem you just solved.