Deconstructing Mathway: How Chegg Built a $350K/Month Math Problem Powerhouse

The Instant Problem Solver: Seamless Input Methods

Mathway understands that getting the problem into the app needs to be frictionless. It offers two primary methods, catering to different user needs and preferences:

1. Camera Scanning 📸: The app immediately asks for camera permission, clearly stating the benefit: "To snap photos of math expressions for easier input." This upfront value proposition increases opt-in rates. Users can quickly capture handwritten or printed problems, crop the relevant area, and let Mathway's OCR do the heavy lifting. This is a killer feature for quickly tackling homework assignments.
2. Specialized Keyboards ⌨️: For manual entry, Mathway doesn't rely on a standard QWERTY keyboard. It provides context-specific keyboards (Algebra, Pre-Algebra, Calculus, Graphing, Chemistry, etc.), making it far easier to input complex notations, symbols, and functions like integrals, matrices, or trigonometric expressions. This attention to detail significantly improves the user experience for complex problem entry.

This dual-input strategy covers virtually any scenario, removing the initial barrier to using the app effectively.

The Soft Paywall Gatekeeper: Balancing Access and Monetization

Mathway smartly gives away the answer for free but gates the process. When a user inputs a problem (like 4x + 2x = 12) and wants to see the detailed solution steps ("Solve for x"), they encounter a soft paywall.

Here’s the strategy:

• Free Trial Offer: It presents a 7-day free trial, lowering the initial commitment barrier.
• Clear Value Proposition: The paywall explicitly lists the benefits of subscribing: Step-by-step work, Unlimited solutions, and No ads. This directly addresses the user's immediate need (understanding how to solve the problem).
• Tiered Pricing: Two options are presented: a monthly plan (€10.49/month after trial) and an annual plan (€40.99/year, effectively €3.42/month). The annual plan is positioned as significantly better value, encouraging longer-term commitment.
• Mandatory Signup: The free trial requires account creation (Email/Password or social logins like Google/Apple), capturing user information and enabling remarketing or multi-platform access, while also reducing trial abuse.
• Transparency: The fine print clearly mentions auto-renewal terms and cancellation requirements via the App Store, building trust.

This paywall is strategically placed after the user has inputted their problem and expressed intent to understand the solution, maximizing conversion potential at the point of highest need.

Beyond the Answer: Delivering Step-by-Step Value

The core value proposition of the paid subscription is the detailed, step-by-step solution. For 4x + 2x = 12, Mathway doesn't just give x = 2. It breaks it down:

• Step 1: Add 4x and 2x → 6x = 12
• Step 2: Divide each term by 6 and simplify → x = 2

This methodical breakdown is precisely what students need to learn the underlying concepts, not just get answers. The app also offers various ways to approach a problem ("Evaluate," "Graph," "Find All Complex Solutions," etc.), demonstrating its versatility across different mathematical domains. The availability of multiple keyboard types further signals the breadth of topics covered.

User Experience & Retention Hooks

Mathway complements its core functionality with several thoughtful UX elements:

• Clean Interface: The UI is generally clean and focused on the task at hand – inputting and solving problems.
• Problem History: The app keeps a history of previously solved problems, allowing users to easily revisit them. 📅
• Graphing Capability: The built-in graphing tool allows users to visualize equations and inequalities, adding another layer of understanding and utility, particularly for algebra and calculus. Users can plot multiple functions simultaneously. 📈
• Timely Prompts: The app includes standard engagement prompts, like asking for an App Store rating after successful usage, aiming to boost its visibility. ⭐

The Takeaway

Mathway's success isn't accidental. It's a result of understanding its target audience's core need – not just answers, but understanding. By offering seamless input methods, gating the high-value step-by-step solutions behind a well-structured soft paywall, and delivering clear, educational breakdowns, Chegg has created a powerful subscription engine. The $350k monthly revenue underscores the effectiveness of this model, proving that even complex educational tools can be monetized successfully by focusing relentlessly on user value and strategic conversion points.