MathFluent wins Rep. Lou Correa’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge in California’s 46th District

When asked what inspired the creation of MathFluent, Xiong Yi said, “The idea for Math Fluent came from a personal realization: many students can solve math problems, but they don’t always understand why their solutions work. I used to be one of those students. I could follow steps, memorize methods, and get the right answers—but I didn’t always grasp the deeper meaning or logic.

“Everything changed when I began questioning the purpose of each step. Instead of rushing to the answer, I practiced asking myself what the problem was teaching, whether my logic made sense, and how I could explain it clearly. My approach didn’t just improve my performance; it made math enjoyable, empowering, and intellectually satisfying.

“Once I experienced that shift, I noticed how many classmates still relied on memorization or external help, especially with new AI tools available. Students could ‘get the answer,’ but they often missed the chance to develop reasoning and confidence. I realized this wasn’t a math problem—it was a thinking problem.

“That insight inspired Math Fluent. I wanted to create a tool that trains students to think like mathematicians: curious, analytical, expressive, and independent. Math is a language, and fluency in that language comes from understanding, not pattern-recall. Building this app lets me help others build that skill early, rather than discovering it later by chance. 

“I created this app because I believe every student is capable of deep thinking when given the right guidance. When students learn why math works, the subject becomes exciting, not intimidating. It becomes a tool for life—for engineering, physics, problem-solving, innovation, and even everyday decisions. My love for math naturally expanded into physics, a field where reasoning, creativity, and logic collide with the laws of the universe. I am honored to have placed 8th internationally and 5th in the U.S. regionally in Physics Bowl, and I serve as President of my school’s Physics Club and Physics Team. Teaching others and building academic communities strengthened my desire to create solutions that help learners everywhere.

“Math Fluent is more than an app—it’s a mission. I want students to feel empowered, capable, and fluent in their thinking. I hope this tool inspires confidence and unlocks the joy that comes from truly understanding math.”