Generating maths solutions with ChatGPT

Abstract

Creating step-by-step maths solutions takes significant time and effort. Starting with a ChatGPT-generated draft and proceeding to carefully review and improve it can lead to significant time savings. In this case study, solution documents were created for two past exam papers in a second-year undergraduate maths module. Using a ChatGPT-generated draft as a starting point led to a total creation time of 2 hours and 36 minutes, compared to 4 hours and 31 minutes without the assistance of ChatGPT. This article explains the procedure for obtaining the ChatGPT draft, provides the background for the study, and presents the findings. It highlights key strengths of using ChatGPT for this purpose, including its speed, accuracy and quality of explanation. Limitations are also discussed, such as the risk of calculation errors, incorrect workings or over complicated answers.