How does AskSia solve a proportion a/b = c/d?
AskSia uses cross-multiplication: multiply both sides by the product bd, which cancels the denominators on each side and gives ad = bc. The cross-multiplication step is shown explicitly with the cancellation, so you can see why it works, not just that it works. Once you have ad = bc, AskSia solves the resulting linear equation for the unknown variable, then checks the answer by substituting back into the original proportion and confirming both fractions are equal. The check appears at the end of every solve.
What is direct proportion and how does AskSia handle it?
Two quantities are directly proportional if they're related by y = kx, where k is the constant of variation. When y increases, x increases by the same factor; when y doubles, x doubles. AskSia finds k by using a given (x, y) pair: divide y by x. Once k is known, AskSia can find y for any new x, or x for any new y. Examples include earnings as a function of hours worked (k is the hourly rate) and the length of a spring as a function of force (Hooke's law).
What is inverse proportion and how is it different from direct?
Two quantities are inversely proportional if they're related by y = k/x (or equivalently xy = k). When x doubles, y halves; the product is constant. AskSia finds k by multiplying a given (x, y) pair, then uses y = k/x to find any missing value. The classic example is pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature (Boyle's law), or speed and time for a fixed distance. AskSia distinguishes direct from inverse based on the word problem phrasing and confirms which case applies.
Can AskSia solve proportion word problems?
Yes. Word problems with explicit phrasing like 'y is directly proportional to x' or 'y varies inversely with x' are translated directly into y = kx or y = k/x. Word problems with implicit proportions (recipe scaling, currency conversion, map distances, similar figures) are also handled: AskSia identifies the two ratios that should be equal, sets up the proportion a/b = c/d, cross-multiplies, and interprets the numerical answer back in the original context.
How accurate is AskSia?
AskSia hits 98% accuracy on standard high school and college coursework, measurably higher than ChatGPT, Photomath, and Symbolab on the same problem sets. Accuracy comes from subject-specialized models, a symbolic verification pass that catches arithmetic errors, and a self-check step that re-derives the answer before showing it to you.
Can I get practice problems and flashcards?
Yes. After any solve, ask Sia to generate similar practice problems at SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or college difficulty, or build a flashcard set on the underlying concept in one tap. Useful for exam prep and spaced repetition before a quiz, midterm, or final.
How much does AskSia cost?
AskSia has a free plan that includes daily solves across all subjects. AskSia Pro and Super include unlimited solves, advanced subjects, the full AI tutor companion, exports, and priority response speed. See pricing for details.