Those of us who struggle with math problems, whether simple or complex, should appreciate a new option in Microsoft's Bing iOS app.

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Introduced in the latest update to the Bing iOS app, Math mode can work some magic on a photo of a mathematical equation. By analyzing and interpreting a printed or handwritten math problem, the app not only delivers the result but also shows you how it got there. With certain equations, Bing even displays a 2D graph or calculator to shed further light on the results.

Microsoft has been stuck playing second fiddle to Google for the hearts and minds of Web surfers and searchers. One of the few ways the company can win over more users is by continually adding more options and improvements to Bing. But Google continues to innovate with new features as well, forcing Microsoft to not only keep up but try to surpass its rival.

Math mode is part of Bing's Camera Intelligent search, which offers a couple of other tricks. The app can analyze a photo, either one you just snapped or an image from your library, and deliver information and search results on it. Intelligent search can also scan a product barcode and show you ratings and prices on the item.

To use Math mode to solve an equation, open the Bing app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the camera icon. At the camera screen, tap the setting for Math. Point your camera at a mathematical equation. The numbers can be printed, typed, or handwritten. Bing scans the figures and produces the answer. Swipe down past the solution, and you'll typically uncover details on how Bing figured out the result followed by a calculator or 2D graph with further information.

Microsoft said the math wizard will be coming soon to the Android version of Bing.

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Takeaways

The Bing iOS app now offers a Math mode feature that will scan a photo of a mathematical equation and produce the result. Math mode works with printed, typed, and written equations.

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