The Best Free Math Apps
Math can be difficult to learn and understand. It comes as no surprise that there is a lot of additional support to help school students get a good grasp of basic math concepts. To bridge the gap, technology-supported methods are being adopted. The best math apps help to make the learning process enjoyable for students.
Different organizations and teaching bodies such as the Khan Academy have taken the initiative to create some of the best free math apps available today. They cover a wide variety of basic math skills from arithmetic and linear equations to more complicated skills like quadratic equations. This article will discuss the best math apps available and their benefit to learners.
What Is a Math App?
A math app is a learning tool used to help school students get a better understanding of math. A math app helps students to learn what math is and uses interactive questions, video lessons, math games, and other methods to teach a wide range of core math concepts.
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The concepts range from basic operations in the apps to elementary algebra and systems of equations for older learners. The best math apps also have two or more math curriculums that students can gain value from.
Why Do People Use Math Apps?
People use math apps to bridge gaps in their understanding of math concepts. The best free math apps are also used to practice concepts already learned. They are used to introduce learners to specific topic areas. Math apps are a way to help learners prepare for the future by taking advantage of STEM education.
How the Best Math Apps Can Help You Do Math
The best math apps can help you do math in a variety of different ways. Firstly, they can help you understand math regardless of your grade level. They might also have additional features such as a graphic calculator and unit conversion tables.
Math apps have engaging activities to make learning fun and easy. Some apps have even incorporated learning goals and progress reports to help parents track their children’s learning. Below are some key features of the best math apps.
Student Engagement
Without engaging a learner, it can be very difficult to hold their attention, let alone understand what is being taught. Good math apps will provide math content in an engaging way for learners at each grade level. Therefore a first grader’s learning activities will not look the same as those of a fourth-grader, even if the topic being taught is the same.
Quality Content
While math games can be fun, at the end of the day, there are real-life applications for mathematics. For a student to progress through their primary, secondary, and college years, quality content is key. Therefore, the content taught through math apps aligns with the standards required by a range of school curriculums.
Ease of Use
A good app, especially a math app, will be easy for learners and their families to use. Moving from one concept to another should be seamless and fun, while navigation within the app should be almost intuitive.
The 10 Best Math Apps: Overview
| App | Availability | Notable Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brainly | Android, iOS | Student interaction, tutor assistance, homework help | Free |
| DoodleMath | iOS, Android, PC, Mac, Kindle | Multiple curricula, adaptive learning technology, personalized study | $7.99 – $169.99 |
| Dragon Box | Android, iOS | Suitable for ages 5 and up, teacher-developed | $4.99 |
| GeoGebra | iOs, Android | Multiple learning tools, | Free |
| IXL | Android, iOS | Comprehensive, personalized, skill-building | $19.99 |
| Khan Academy | iOS, Android | Personalized learning, quality content, teacher support | Free |
| MalMath | Android, iOS | Step-by-step instruction, multi-level use | Free |
| PhotoMan | Android, iOS | Smartphone camera use, offline capabilities, high school to college-level math | Free |
| Prodigy | Android, iOS | Reporting system, engaging, fun | $59.99 |
| Splash | iOS, Android | Personalized learning, young learners, progress reports | $7.99 – $89.99 |
The Best Math Apps to Make Your Life Easier
Math apps are here to make your life easier. If you are struggling to understand some math concepts, you can get the additional help you need. Learning math topics doesn’t have to be boring and dreary. On the contrary, it can be quite fun and engaging. Below is a breakdown of the various apps listed above, including apps for kids.
Doodle Math | $7.99 – $169.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Offline capabilities
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Cost
Doodle Math has high ratings and reviews for its personalized programs. It is ideal for learners between kindergarten and sixth grade. The app encourages 10-minute lessons each day to improve your math skills while gaining confidence in the subject. You can also take notes and save them in an online notebook for future reference.
DragonBox Algebra 5+ | $4.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Multiple languages
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Requires special account
Part of a Kahoot+ Family subscription, this app focuses on teaching learners algebra through play. It was developed by a former teacher and is available in several languages. You will learn basic algebra and linear equations. When you are competent you can move to other apps such as the Algebra 12+ or Elements where you will begin to dive into geometry studies.
IXL | $19.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: 30-day trial
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Not very user-friendly
This app is the most comprehensive of the math learning apps, covering all subject areas. It is designed to cover all the necessary math concepts from years K-12, based on Common Core curriculum standards. It uses real-time diagnostics and analytics to determine a learner’s proficiency.
Prodigy | $59.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: Engaging
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Membership purchase notifications
This educational math game allows players to go on adventures while practicing their math. It is ideal for learners in grades one through eight. It works by solving skill-building math questions to progress in the game. The game is designed to adapt to a child’s grade level and learning style.
SplashLearn | $7.99 – $89.99
- Best Feature of Paid Version: 7-day free trial
- Biggest Downside of Paid Version: Cost
This app focuses on developing reading and math skills by using fun games to engage young learners. It is ideal for children in pre-kindergarten to grade five levels. It has personalized activities, games, and books. Additionally, it allows parents and teachers to monitor the progress of students learning through growth plans and progress reports.
The Best Free Math Apps
Learning math is foundational to our daily lives and does not need to be costly. We have compiled some great free options that you can start using right away. Below is a list of the best free math apps that you can choose from.
Brainly
- Best Feature: Homework help
- Biggest Downside: Not as efficient
Brainly is primarily used to help students with homework. Students input their questions and they get answers from tutors or moderators. You can ask any type of math-related question and get your answers quickly. All answers are verified for accuracy. It is also useful for other subjects in the sciences, arts, and languages.
GeoGebra Classic
- Best Feature: Variety
- Biggest Downside: Overwhelming for less advanced users
This interactive app is ideal for secondary school students and for teachers as a supplementary teaching tool. It allows users to visualize math expressions through the use of models and graphs, making it a good tool for algebra concepts, geometry, and calculus. GeoGebra offers various mathematical calculators and an augmented reality app to use for 3D modeling.
Khan Academy
- Best Feature: Free
- Biggest Downside: Not all tools are available on the app
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization determined to give free educational resources to learners and teachers everywhere. It provides an interactive learning platform for all ages and levels. You can learn at your own pace and understand concepts without the anxiety brought on by grades. Khan Academy provides elementary students with interactive activities and books.
MalMath
- Best Feature: Offline capabilities
- Biggest Downside: Can be glitchy at times
This math app focuses mainly on algebra problems. It can be used by high school as well as college students, including teachers and parents. The app generates math questions in different categories at different difficulty levels and walks students through each math step to the solution. It is also available in several foreign languages and works offline.
PhotoMath
- Best Feature: Easy to use
- Biggest Downside: Advanced solutions are not free
This math solver app is great for students needing assistance in a variety of math topics. To use it, a learner has to point their smartphone camera at the math problem, and Photomath will show the solution step-by-step. Additionally, users have access to a multi-functional scientific calculator, offline functionalities, and offers in-app purchases for additional math resources.
Which of the Best Math Apps Should I Choose?
The best free math apps, together with their paid counterparts, all offer something for each learner. No two apps are alike, and your learner’s needs should be the deciding factor. Consider your learner’s age, areas of need, and level of confidence. These will be the baseline from which you can determine which apps will be best.
Download and test some of these math apps before making a final decision. Even paid learning apps often have a trial period that you can take advantage of before you make your final decision.
Best Math Apps FAQ
Yes, understanding math is important for everyday life. If you have ever cooked, baked, tried to sew, worked on a craft project, walked into a building, or played in the playground, you have been surrounded by math. Learning to use math to solve real-life problems is an asset for everyone.
Beyond school and assignments, there are many careers that need math. Some jobs that use math are in fields like computer science programming, engineering, earth sciences, and teaching, all of which require professionals in the field to have strong arithmetic skills.
Choosing the best math app for students can be tricky. It is important to understand how the student learns best. Once you establish this, then you can narrow down your options in finding the best math apps for them to use. A student’s favorite math app may be one that is engaging and fun, easy to use, or offer a range of useful tools.
Yes, there are. If you prefer to use a platform that is more comprehensive, you can check out California-based CK-12. It is a free platform that offers student support and educational material not only in math but also in science, social studies, as well as adult learning options. This is an ideal option for learners of all ages and for teachers looking for additional resources.
