Can a language model learn arithmetic without a calculator?
Yes. Models can learn mathematical procedures and perform many calculations, but their accuracy varies with the task and should not be assumed from fluency alone.
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More FAQs in Why can an LLM explain complex topics but fail at simple calculations?
The explanation may follow familiar linguistic patterns, while the calculation requires exact operations. Text length is therefore a poor measure of computational difficulty.
No. A calculator can execute an incorrectly chosen formula or receive wrong inputs. The model or user must still verify assumptions, units, and interpretation.
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