Top 5 Apps for Algebra

Improve Algebra Achievement with Apps

Although there is no replacing a good teacher or tutor, the algebra apps available will certainly enhance your understanding ​of a wide variety of concepts in algebra when used properly. After reviewing a number of apps in algebra, here are my picks in apps for algebra.

01
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Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant

Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant
Wolfram

Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant
This app tops my list for a good reason. I like the title - Course Assistant, after all, it's a stretch to say that algebra can be mastered with an app, however, the app can be a terrific 'assistant' to guide additional learning and understanding.  The step by step solutions are great, far superior to just having answers. No app can really replace a teacher or a tutor. However, this app can most certainly support and assist you in many algebra topics taught in class, it's geared for high school algebra and early college level algebra.   All the main topics in Algebra are addressed and it's a powerful homework helper. Best of all, Wolfram is a leader in math apps. Caution to teachers! Students can easily cheat with this app and I'm not to the point where I think any of these apps should be allowed on an exam.

02
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Algebra Genie

Algebra Genie
Algebra Genie

We like the Algebra Genie, it addresses the main algebraic topics (expressions,  exponents, linear relations,  Pythagorean theorem, function basics, functions, quadratic functions, absolute function, square root function, exponentials and logarithms, factoring, systems of equations, conics. Algebra Genie is like taking an interactive course and best of all, it was developed by teachers. There are over 200 lessons suitable for high school students. However, students should have the basics of Algebra as this app will build understanding and may even support better grades. This app doesn't take the place of a teacher but if you're looking for some additional learning to better your understanding of a variety of algebra topics, it's worth a try. Don't take my word, give the free trial a go.

03
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Algebra Boot Camp

Algebra Boot Camp
Algebra Boot Camp

Algebra Boot Camp isn't at the top of my list for a reason.  I really like the book and find that this app is like a textbook turned into an app. However, for some learners, it works well.  This app has some basic pre-algebra like fractions, exponents, basic equations but it does lead into quadratic equations, matrices, radical and polynomials. It comes from the authors of the book Effortless Algebra and the app follows the book for the most part. However, I don't find this as much of an app as others I have reviewed. This app is pretty much the ​textbook turned into the app. It has exercises and is somewhat interactive.  In this circumstance, I prefer the book to the app. However, there's always room for improvement.​​

See the author's book on Effortless Algebra.

04
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Quadratic Master

Quadratic Master
Quadratic Master

Quadratic Master App:  If you don't have a graphing calculator, you might appreciate this app.  I liked the detailed step by step solutions with this app vs having exercises that just provide answers.  I listed this app because it is great for those students struggling with quadratics and it does a great job. It is suitable for doing quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions. Again, it's a great practice tool but students should have a basic understanding of quadratics. This app helps to build mastery. A note of caution to teachers: students often cheat with apps like these ones.

05
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Polynomial Apps

Polynomials
Polynomials

Long Division of Polynomials:  These apps are specific to using the four operations with polynomials. I have reviewed the division of polynomials apps, however, multiplication, addition, and subtraction of polynomials are also available.

I like this app because it's really straightforward. There is one focus, manipulating and dividing polynomials.  The app works very simply, it provides the student with a division problem in polynomials. The student works through each step and when the student is stuck, it's just a matter of tapping on ​"help me". The app then walks through the steps of solving that part of the equation. The help screen is easy to understand and assistance is available with every problem. I would suggest that the learner should have knowledge of polynomials and the basics of dividing polynomials. This app is a great tool to help students reach mastery of division of polynomials. When the teacher isn't always available, the app takes over.

In Summary

There are many more apps in a variety of math topics. If you feel there's a helpful app out there that supports algebra, we would love to hear from you. Apps can't take the place of a teacher or a graphing calculator but they can sure build confidence and understanding in a variety of algebraic topics.

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Russell, Deb. "Top 5 Apps for Algebra." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/top-apps-for-algebra-2312096. Russell, Deb. (2023, April 5). Top 5 Apps for Algebra. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/top-apps-for-algebra-2312096 Russell, Deb. "Top 5 Apps for Algebra." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/top-apps-for-algebra-2312096 (accessed March 29, 2024).