Mathway vs PARI/GP

Mathway is an AI-powered solver and calculator for math and related subjects, available on Android, iOS, web, and Windows. Users can enter a problem by typing or submit a photo of handwritten or printed work. Its listed subjects range from Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Trigonometry through Calculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra, Chemistry, and Physics. Dedicated calculators cover tasks such as equations, factoring, derivatives, graphing, and statistics. Mathway says the solver explains the method behind solutions, while a subscription unlocks full step-by-step work. The service can be used without signing up, and the Free plan is listed at free. Step-by-Step Access costs $9.99 a month and limits advertisements. A 7-day trial is listed. Premium subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled, and subscriptions bought in mobile apps are billed through the relevant app store. Mathway describes its service as a problem-solving resource for students, parents, and teachers.

PARI/GP is a free, open-source computer algebra system designed for fast number-theory computations. Its functions cover factorization, algebraic number theory, elliptic curves, modular forms, L-functions, matrices, polynomials, power series, algebraic numbers, and transcendental functions. PARI is available as a C library; gp is an interactive shell, and GP is its scripting language. The gp2c compiler translates a subset of GP scripts to C and can make compiled scripts three or four times faster. The official site offers a browser-based GP interface for expressions, variables, and function definitions, though its stated speed is approximately 15% of native speed. Xeus-GP is a Xeus-based Jupyter kernel. Optional packages are distributed separately because they use substantial disk space and are expected to be unnecessary for most users. The project provides guides, reference manuals, tutorials, quick reference cards, and downloadable manuals. The project directs users to a mailing list for help and a bug tracker for reports and feature requests. It is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later.