I can solve it/ can see the car

Context: In a math class,

Teacher: solve this problem.

After some time, when the students are still trying:

Teacher to one of his students: John, can you solve it? (He is basically asking John whether John thinks his approach till now has been correct and he’s soon going to get a solution)

John: Yes, sir. (= I can solve it)

Q: Is there any difference between the uses of "can" in (a) and (b) below?

a) John: I can (=am able to) solve it. (in the context given above; John says this while solving the problem)

b) John: I can (=am able to) see the car. (in response to "can you see the car"; John says this while looking at the car)