Math101 · Independent Ontario learning library
The useful question is not “Did I use AI?” It is “Which thinking did the AI do, and which thinking can I now do without it?”
The attempt-first rule
Before asking AI:
- Copy the exact question.
- Write what is given and requested.
- Attempt one representation or first step.
- Mark the precise point of uncertainty.
Then ask about that point.
Weak prompt:
Do this question.
Learning prompt:
I am solving $2x^2-5x-3=0$. I tried factoring and need two numbers with product $-6$ and sum $-5$. Give me one hint, not the full solution.
Use a hint ladder
Tell the tool how much help to reveal.
- Level 1: Ask one question that helps me notice the structure.
- Level 2: Name the relevant concept or formula.
- Level 3: Show only the next line and explain why it is valid.
- Level 4: Show a parallel example with different numbers.
- Level 5: Show the full solution, then give me a new problem to solve unaided.
The ladder makes help adjustable instead of all-or-nothing.
Make AI verify itself
Ask for multiple checks:
- Substitute the result into the original equation.
- Estimate the answer before calculating.
- Solve with a second method.
- State domain restrictions and assumptions.
- Graph both sides and compare intersections.
- Identify the most likely error in the proposed solution.
Still compare with the lesson, teacher, textbook, calculator, or another trusted source. AI can confidently repeat the same mistake in multiple forms.
Use AI to generate practice safely
Good uses:
- “Create five MCR3U exponential-equation questions from gentle to challenging. Do not show solutions until I submit an attempt.”
- “Mix factoring, quadratic formula, and completing-the-square questions without naming the method.”
- “Turn my error log into a three-day review plan.”
- “Ask me one oral question at a time about the unit circle.”
Check generated answer keys before relying on them. Math101’s worksheet engine uses validated templates for this reason.
Protect academic integrity
Before using AI on graded work, ask:
- Is AI allowed for this task?
- Must use be cited or described?
- Is brainstorming allowed but generated wording prohibited?
- Is the assessment supposed to measure my unaided process?
When uncertain, ask the teacher. “Everyone uses it” is not a policy.
Protect privacy
Do not paste:
- student numbers, addresses, phone numbers, or passwords
- a full IEP, medical report, or psychoeducational assessment
- private teacher comments or another student’s work
- unpublished tests or copyrighted course packages without permission
- financial-aid identification documents
Describe the mathematical problem without the personal record.
End every AI session with transfer
- Close the chat.
- Redo the original question from a blank page.
- Explain the method aloud.
- Solve a new question with no AI.
- Record any recurring error.
If you cannot do the parallel question, the assisted answer was not yet learning.
A student–AI contract
- I attempt before I ask.
- I request the smallest useful help.
- I verify important claims.
- I do not submit generated work as my own.
- I protect private information.
- I finish with an unaided attempt.
Is asking AI for an answer cheating?
It depends on the task and the rules. On independent practice, viewing a solution can be a learning choice. On graded work that requires your own reasoning, undisclosed AI completion may violate academic-integrity policy. Ask the instructor.
Can AI check handwritten math from a photo?
Some systems can interpret images, but symbols, fractions, diagrams, and handwriting can be misread. Verify the transcription before trusting the reasoning and avoid uploading private information.
Why does AI sometimes give different math answers?
Generative models predict responses rather than executing a guaranteed proof system. Prompt wording, model behaviour, and calculation errors can change output. Use substitution, a graph, a calculator, a computer algebra system, or a trusted solution to verify.
