ChatGPT Is Actually Great At Math

Activating The Hidden Python Interpreter To Get Accurate And Consistant Results

ChatGPT isn’t just a smart conversationalist—he is also a master mathematician if you know how to ask. Discover how you can tap into its computational power for precision and consistency in everyday tasks.

While many see ChatGPT as a conversational AI, a powerful Python interpreter works behind the scenes. This hidden feature allows ChatGPT to perform everything from basic algebra and statistics to financial data processing and even sports performance analysis. You won’t find any “Run Code” button; instead, the interpreter is activated by the specificity of your prompt.

Which Models Have Access?

The Python interpreter (Advanced Data Analysis) is currently available primarily in GPT-4o and certain custom models. Other experimental versions (like “03 mini” and “01”) do not yet support code execution and so will only use text based generation for computing math problems. If you’re using GPT-4o (or a custom model designed for advanced tasks), you can harness this capability for a wide range of operations.

How It Works

There’s no visible “Run Code” button or interface element that tells you the interpreter is active. When you see messages like “Working…” or “Analyzing…” while generating an answer, ChatGPT is silently executing Python code to deliver precise answers. This, however, is not guaranteed. The model will choose wheter or not code is required based on the context, unless specified to do so.

Try it out !

Here are two prompts to try out for yourselves. We will instruct the model to solve a simple math problem like a classic quadratic equation both with and without using code execution. We will also add a specification to get the desired outcome for comparison.

“Solve this quadratic equation : 4x^2 - 78x + 6.5 = 0. Do NOT use any code interpreter, only text generation.”

With only text-based genration, you might notice :

• Lenghtn and stucture of answer will vary.

• Accuracy and precision of calculations might be questionnable

• Speed will vary depending on the quantity of calculations

• Hard to use output or calculations for other purposes

“Use Python and the numpy library to solve the quadratic equation 4x^2 - 78x + 6.5 = 0.” (Make sure yhou are using a model that has access to the interpreter, like GPT-4o)

This time you will notice :

• ChatGPT will display that it’s “analyzing..”

• Answers will be consistant, fast and accurate

• A link to the reusable code and the analysis performed is provided.

  (look for this blue symbol at the end of the answer: [>_] )

Final Tips

• Be Explicit in Your Prompts: Clearly state the library (e.g., “use NumPy”) and the operation you need. This ensures the interpreter is activated.

• Describe Your Use Case: Even if you don’t show code, provide enough context (such as “analyze my financial data” or “solve these equations”) so ChatGPT knows to execute code.

• Verify Results: Although the interpreter is accurate, always double-check critical outputs.

• Tailor Output: Consider using visual aids or examples of any output format you desire. (Tables, detailed steps, usable code)

• Call-to-Action: Encourage readers to try these prompts themselves, expanding the utility of ChatGPT beyond conversation.