Understanding Math with AI – How Lena Mastered Percentages
Lena, a 16‑year‑old student, struggled with percentages. Instead of flipping through her book for hours, she asked an AI: “Explain how percentage calculation works – simple and with examples.” The AI guided her step by step, adapted to her pace, and helped her finally understand. She now enters the exam with confidence – and passes with flying colors.
Problem
Math often feels intimidating. Textbooks are dry, formulas abstract, and classes can’t adapt to every learner. Lena’s main obstacle: nobody explained why each step works.
AI Solution
Lena opens an AI tool and types: “Explain percentages simply, with examples.” The AI detects the topic, tone, and learning style and provides an interactive walkthrough.
- Idea: Percent means per hundred. 25% = 25/100 = 0.25.
- Everyday use: Discounts, grades, interest.
- Methods: Percent to value (price × 0.25); value to percent (part/whole × 100).
- Example: 20% of €50 = 50 × 0.20 = €10. New price: €40.
- Mini quiz: Three quick tasks with instant feedback.
The AI adapts language, pace, and examples to Lena’s replies. If she says “slower”, “another example”, or “use a sketch”, the AI adjusts and builds understanding step by step.
Outcome
After a few sessions Lena understands the basics, solves typical tasks, and avoids old mistakes. She earns a good grade and gains confidence.
Benefits
- Personalized: Style and pace fit the learner.
- Interactive: Follow‑up questions and instant feedback.
- Concrete: Step‑by‑step with real‑life examples and mini quizzes.
- Motivating: Visible progress.
Limitations
- No practice, no progress – AI is a coach, not a replacement.
- Verify answers; explanations can occasionally be imperfect.
- Privacy: avoid real exam tasks or personal data.
Conclusion: This use case shows how AI can personalize learning. Lena doesn’t benefit because the AI solves problems for her – it helps her understand. That’s how structure, motivation, and real progress emerge.
Tools used
Google Gemini
Google LLC
AI assistant for writing, research, coding and multimodal tasks.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Corporation
AI assistant for writing, research, tasks and Microsoft 365 workflows.
Claude AI
Anthropic PBC
AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding and complex tasks.
Mathpix
Mathpix, Inc.
AI tool for OCR, formula recognition, and scientific document conversion.
ChatGPT
OpenAI
Versatile AI assistant for text, code, and analysis.