Ask any AI assistant for a hint on a math problem and you get a random walk. Sometimes it names the concept. Sometimes it works out half the problem. Sometimes it gives you the answer wrapped in a question mark. The variance is high and the ceiling is uncontrollable.
The hint ladder replaces that variance with structure. Each rung is calibrated to name a piece of scaffolding of a specific size. You know what you’re going to get. You can decide whether it’s worth ten Brain points.
The economics
Each hint costs 10 Brain points. You start with 100, regenerate 50 a day, and cap at 200. The math works out to a reliable ten hints per day if you use them steadily, and roughly twenty available in a burst if you’ve been saving.
We do not offer unlimited hints. Unlimited hints turn hints into an answer button. The cost is what makes each hint intentional.
What each rung does
Level 1 — name the concept
The general area. “This is a related-rates problem.” “This is stoichiometry.” “This is an argument from analogy.”
Level 2 — name the tool
The specific technique. “Differentiate both sides with respect to t.” “Use the mole ratio from the balanced equation.” “Identify the disanalogy.”
Level 3 — show the setup
How to structure the work. “Label each quantity with its rate.” “Convert grams to moles first.” “List the assumed similarities before naming the disanalogy.”
Level 4 — first computational step
The first move on paper. “Substitute the known rates.” “Compute the moles of oxygen used.” “Rank the assumed similarities by strength.”
Level 5 — second-to-last step
The last scaffolded step. “You now have dV/dt in terms of dr/dt at the moment r = 5 cm.” “You now have moles of product; the last conversion is to grams.” “You now have your ranked list; the weakest similarity is the crux of the disanalogy.”
What level 6 would be
Level 6 does not exist. Level 6 would be the answer. Level 5 is the last rung. The last step, the one that actually costs you something, is always yours.