When we try to explain a complex science exercise in a search engine, we often fall short of words. Between formulas, variables, and figures, it's difficult to accurately describe what we need, and that's where the new features of Google Search and Google Lens for studying STEM, designed specifically to translate real problems into concrete solutions.
If you're struggling with an integral, a system of equations, or a physics statement, you can now type the equation into the search bar or point the camera at it to get a detailed explanation and step-by-step resolutionAdditionally, Lens recognizes shapes and visual components of geometry, which is especially useful when you don't know where to start writing the problem.
Mathematics, physics and geometry with the help of Google Lens
Google has been integrating a homework-focused mode into Lens for some time now and has been enhancing it to cover more subjects. Today it's able to help with trigonometry, calculus and algebra, and offering guided solutions. There's even a dedicated module in the search results for "math solver," which provides quick access to these types of explanations, with its own dedicated space that will continue to reach more mobile devices.
The impetus comes from advances in language models, which allow for better understanding of scientific statements. In written physics problems, the system identifies what data is known, what is missing and what formulas should be applied, indicating when and why to use them. That is, it doesn't just spit out a number: it shows the reasoning and sequence of steps to arrive at the answer.
In geometry, the challenge is greater, because describing a triangle with specific sides or a circle with chords and tangents in words can be a challenge. Here, Lens makes the difference: analyzes the visual and textual components of the problem in the photo and generates an explanation of how to calculate, for example, the area of a triangle or the unknown angle of a composite figure.
If you don't want to or can't take a photo, you can also type the equation or integral directly into the search engine. From there, Google displays a step-by-step breakdown with the right formula, which greatly reduces the frustration when you get stuck and don't know what the next move is.
Google's commitment to learning doesn't stop at equations. Search has incorporated 3D models and interactive illustrations of almost a thousand topics biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. These resources make it easier to imagine details like the internal folds of a mitochondria or the parts of an atom, rather than just reading their definitions.
In addition to all of the above, Lens remains that Swiss Army knife for everyday use: Identifies objects, translates texts and cross-references information with other appsThis versatility has been transferred to the classroom and home, where it combines with the search engine to turn complex questions into clear and understandable steps.
Step by step: from the statement to the explained solution
Using Lens to solve exercises is straightforward and requires no unusual configurations. With the Google app open on your phone, tap the Lens icon in the search bar and you'll see the camera interface ready to work with images, textbooks, or notes.
At the bottom there are several modes; the one we are interested in studying is “Tasks” (or “Homework”)By selecting it, Lens understands that you are going to analyze an academic problem and prioritizes the recognition of equations, symbols, diagrams, and relevant text from the exercise.
- Open Google Lens on your mobile from the Google app or from the camera if it is integrated.
- In the carousel below, press "Tasks" to activate homework mode.
- Point to the equation, integral or statement and frame it well the whole important part of the problem.
- Press the shutter; Lens will analyze the content and display results at the bottom from the screen.
- Choose the option that makes the most sense for your exercise and display the solution steps if they are available.
- If there are several exercises in the same photo, tap the icon with the "T" to change the selection and solve another one.
- When you want to contrast, open the options to consult additional sources and compare approaches.
The trick is not just getting the result, but understanding it. In the solution panels you'll see the step-by-step process, with the chosen formula, value substitution, and intermediate simplifications. This helps you pinpoint where you went wrong or if you're missing a key transformation.
You can also skip the camera and type your equation or integral directly into Search (or into tools like symbolab). The search engine recognizes trigonometry, calculus and even certain systems quite robust and returns detailed explanations. In English, the query "math solver" opens a dedicated space that brings together these functions and facilitates desktop access.
In physics word problems, the approach is similar: you enter the statement or capture it with the camera and Google helps you Identify magnitudes, extract data and decide the correct equationThe classic case of two trains leaving different cities at different speeds is no longer a hieroglyph but a coherent sequence of steps.
The experience is enhanced when the image is sharp. If you are working with handwritten notes, make sure your handwriting is legible and that there are no strong shadows or reflectionsIn printed texts, recognition is usually more reliable; however, it's a good idea to check that the box includes all symbols, fractions, and integral limits.
This technology works on Android and can also be used on iOS through compatible apps. In both cases, Lens applies Machine learning to analyze and recognize what it sees in real time, returning results that match the captured content and integrating them with the search engine to expand information if needed.
If you've mastered the basics and are interested in a second opinion, Lens allows you to open other tools and pages from the results panel itself. This way you can contrast it with different sources and stick with the method you understand best, which is very useful when the same problem can be solved in several ways.
More science resources on Google: 3D models and English practice
Understanding science isn't just about solving equations. To anchor complex concepts, the Quest includes Interactive 3D models of nearly 1.000 topics biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. By exploring these diagrams on your phone or computer, you can rotate, zoom, and distinguish parts, all while reading a clear description and concise definition.
This visual approach is crucial in biology. If you know what mitochondria are but have trouble imagining the internal folds that form the ridgesA three-dimensional model makes it visible, creating a deeper understanding than a flat image or paragraph of text.
Beyond STEM, Google has launched a built-in Search feature to practice English on mobile. The first to receive it are Google users. Android in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, India, and Indonesia, with short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes. Real-life situations are presented to help you create your own responses, with personalized feedback and the option to activate daily reminders.
The idea is to improve not only grammar but also clarity. A feature has been added that visually shows whether your answer is relevant to the context and understandable to another personSolving this is technically complicated because, in the early stages, spoken responses may be syntactically unconventional.
This set of improvements fits with Google's stated goal: to foster curiosity and continuous learning. As its product leadership noted, the ambition is that, with these features improved for math, science, and language learning, anyone can advance at their own pace, with resources that guide without replacing their own reasoning.
If you're wondering how this solution stacks up against alternatives, the answer is that it doesn't exclude them. Well-established tools like Wolfram Alpha or the Microsoft Math Solver They have led the way, and now Google integrates similar capabilities into the finder and camera, reducing friction between "searching" and "solving." Ultimately, the more perspectives on a problem, the better the learning.
In the mobile world there are also multitude of apps to learn math with varied approaches. Lens's advantage is its integration: simply frame the exercise wherever you want (paper, whiteboard, screen) and get a guided reading. If you need extra reinforcement, you can always combine it with other practice apps.
Very important: the feature is not meant to be copied without understanding. The value lies in the guidance, in seeing the reason for each step, and in detecting what formula to apply in each situationIf you make the process a habit, it will be easier to recognize patterns and figure things out on your own over time, which is the real goal.
In geometry, remember that photos must clearly capture the elements: vertices, lengths, marked angles, auxiliary lines, etc. If information is missing, the system can offer you reasonable hypotheses and alternative paths, but you can't invent missing data. Use the problem design as a starting point and, if necessary, add notes to clear up any doubts.
Finally, if your connection or device is modest, don't worry. Many of these features are optimized to run smoothly. agile even on mid-range phonesStill, keeping the Google app updated will give you better results and access to updates as they become available for your region.
With all this arsenal, solving math and science questions becomes less of an uphill battle: between the "math solver" module in the search engine, Lens's Homework mode, and 3D models, you have a powerful combination to go from confusion to clarity. If you take advantage of the explanations step by step and compare methods when necessary, you'll not only get solutions, but you'll learn how to find them yourself next time.
