Mathway vs Xcas

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.

Xcas is a free interface for computer algebra, geometry, graphs, spreadsheets, statistics, and programming. Its symbolic tools include arbitrary-precision arithmetic, polynomial operations, simplification, equation solving, calculus, and linear algebra. Users can build programmable dynamic 2-D geometry and work with 3-D geometry and graphs. The spreadsheet supports relative and absolute references, formal objects in cells, and one- and two-dimensional statistics, including regressions. Programming features include functions, variables, tests, loops, an editor, a debugger, and C-like, Maple, MuPAD, and TI89 syntax modes. Xcas runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The browser version can work locally without installation or an internet connection, though it is less complete and slower than compiled desktop versions. The Giac library can be used from C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript programs; the site also describes LaTeX and TeXmacs interfaces. Xcas is free under GPL3, but commercial software inclusion requires contacting the makers about a dual license. The site offers tutorials, guides, a forum, and documentation, which it calls incomplete on its English overview.