Advertisement
  1. SEJ
  2.  ⋅ 
  3. Tools

ChatGPT Update: Improved Math Capabilities

OpenAI's third update to ChatGPT brings improved accuracy and mathematical capabilities.

OpenAI has released an update to its popular language model, ChatGPT, to enhance its accuracy and improve its ability to handle math equations.

Per the January 30 release notes: “We’ve upgraded the ChatGPT model with improved factuality and mathematical capabilities.”

It’s expected that the latest update to ChatGPT will allow it to handle complicated calculations and deliver more precise answers.

This would make ChatGPT a more valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals who need quick and dependable information.

In practice, ChatGPT is still far from perfect regarding handling equations. However, there are some noticeable improvements in its ability to return factual responses.

Here are some observations on the January 30 update based on my testing and feedback shared on Twitter.

ChatGPT Accuracy – Hit & Miss

One notable improvement to ChatGPT’s accuracy is that it’s no longer possible to trick it into giving an incorrect answer.

There was a meme showing how ChatGPT could be talked into giving the wrong answer if you said your wife disagreed with its response.

Although it may seem absurd, it was actually the case. See an example in the tweet below:

Now, ChatGPT will continue to return the correct response, even if you try to convince it otherwise.

Here’s a test I ran following the January 30 update:

Screenshot from: chat.openai.com/chat. January 2023.

That’s a positive sign. However, the negative feedback on the January 30 update outweighs the good.

A test I always go back to is asking ChatGPT who is the taller basketball player between Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming.

ChatGPT continues to get this wrong, despite returning the correct heights of the two men.

Interestingly, if you point out its flaws, it will correct itself.

Screenshot from: chat.openai.com/chat. January 2023.

People on Twitter point out that ChatGPT struggles with math equations when typed out in complete sentences instead of numbers and symbols.

On the other hand, it appears to perform exceptionally well when fed questions from standardized tests.

According to one individual, ChatGPT is capable of passing the math section of an SAT:

Perhaps ChatGPT handles standardized test questions better because it’s language the AI model has encountered before, as opposed to user-inputted questions it’s seeing for the first time.

Overall, feedback on this update is mixed. Without fact-checking first, I would still be cautious about relying on ChatGPT’s responses.

In Summary

The release of this update, the third major update since the introduction of ChatGPT, underscores OpenAI’s continuous efforts to stay ahead in the AI industry.

Despite enhanced capabilities, ChatGPT still has a long way to go.

Based on OpenAI’s previous update schedule, further improvements to ChatGPT can probably be expected soon.


Featured Image: rafapress/Shutterstock

Category News Tools
ADVERTISEMENT
SEJ STAFF Matt G. Southern Senior News Writer at Search Engine Journal

Matt G. Southern, Senior News Writer, has been with Search Engine Journal since 2013. With a bachelor’s degree in communications, ...

ChatGPT Update: Improved Math Capabilities

Subscribe To Our Newsletter.

Conquer your day with daily search marketing news.