Math can pose difficulties for even the most brilliant among us. Complicated equations, complex graphs, or even just troubles adding fractions can cause trouble and frustration for anyone trying to conquer math. If you find yourself or someone that you know struggling with math, rest assured. There are a number of apps that can help to ease the worries of a tough math problem or class.
All ages can find an app to help them. I have included in this collection a number of apps for a variety of ages and subjects. There’s apps here for everything from complex graphing to statistics to simple multiplication problems. Stick with me to learn about some of the many applications available to help you ace that nagging math class you are struggling with, along with a few bonus apps at the end.
Mathemagics
I’m not in a math class anymore, but sometimes I still like to try and improve my math skills. The ability to do complex calculations in your head is pretty cool (at least it is for me, anyway). Mathemagics is an app which teaches you tricks to do those complex calculations, anyway). Mathemagics is an app which teaches you tricks to do those complex calculations.
Within the app, you learn tricks to square complex numbers, quickly multiply numbers up to 19 in your head, and much more. If you have any desire to know math tricks or have to take a test without a calculator, then the app is definitely worth it. I have picked up a lot of skills and can always impress folks with my mental math abilities.
Price: $0.99
Requires: OS X 10.7 or later
Developer: Blue Lightning Labs
Algebra Touch
Lower level math and algebra students can certainly enjoy this Mac port of the popular iOS app, Algebra Touch. The app allows you to master solving basic equations with intuitive features like dragging to rearrange numbers and clicking to simplify. Through the app, you can master skills like commutativity, factorization, variables, isolation and much more. I wish that the app had more available to do, via lessons and/or more features available like powers and logs. All in all, though, I definitely recommend the application for anyone picking up algebra.
Price: $1.99
Requires: OS X 10.7 or later
Developer: Regular Berry Software
Math Evolve
I don’t know about the rest of the readers my age, but I still remember getting to play Oregon Trail and Number Crunchers on computer lab day. Math games have definitely evolved since then, and Math Evolve is the new standard. This game is for users 6 and up and focuses on basic arithmetic, mental math, number sense and more. The app includes story and arcade modes for greater variety, and is probably the most enjoyable way to learn basic math available for Mac. It’s just an incredibly well made math game and any review will attest to that.
Price: $0.99
Requires: OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: InterAction Education LLC
Math Drills
Another app geared towards basic arithmetic skills, Math Drills takes a more traditional approach and utilizes simple drills to master the basics. Up to 50 students can use the app to create personal settings and save their statistics. Missed problems are shown with greater frequency and solutions are presented in a variety of ways, including number lines, hints and wooden blocks. If you or someone you know just needs to sit down and master the basics, this is a great way to do so.
Price: $4.99
Requires: OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: Instant Interactive
OmniGraphSketcher
A quality graph making application is a must for some math classes. If you are in that boat, consider trying OmniGraphSketcher. The application allows you to freely sketch lines which are converted into the graph. If sketching isn’t your strong suit, the app converts all lines into smooth, curved lines.
When you need complete accuracy, you can easily import the data from an external source like an Excel spreadsheet. You can even add to the lines to make the graph easier to understand. Change line type, add arrows, text, color and much more. The application works really well, so if you need graphs the next level up from hand drawn, this is the app for you.
Price: $14.99
Requires: OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: The Omni Group
Daum Equation Editor
If you have ever tried to type anything for any math class involving equations, you know that it’s not an easy task. Thus, there are a number of apps to help, amongst them Daum Equation Editor. This app allows you to create, edit and format various equations in an intuitive way. The app auto formats for you, and all of the available symbols are shown on the main screen. You can also use the input editor for greater control. Most importantly, the app supports copy and paste as well as the ability to save the equation as an image. This makes it easy to transfer equations into the paper you are writing, rather than messing with plugins and such for Microsoft Word or Pages. The app works really well, and it’s free. Definitely worth a go if you struggle to format equations correctly.
Price: Free
Requires: OS X 10.6 or later
Developer: Daum Equations
WolfCalc
This app utilizes the popular Wolfram Alpha Engine, an incredibly powerful calculator to help with math, physics, engineering and more. The app is an incredible tool, as it can solve anything from a simple arithmetic problem to a complicated integral. It shows solutions, graphs, steps used in solving the problem and even the rules utilized. The app is resizable and can be pinned above all of the other windows you have open. Anyone in a higher level math class should really take advantage of the services provided by Wolfram Alpha via this app, as the solutions and steps provided can truly help you obtain a greater understanding of the subject at hand.
Price: $1.99
Requires: OS X 10.7 or later
Developer: Petur Ingi Egilsson
Magic Number
If you don’t wish to make the investment for a hand held calculator, there are a number of calculator apps out there. Magic Number really stands out as a fantastic scientific calculator.
The app loads in about a second, perfect for any quick calculations. You can intuitively enter problems, rather than worrying about complicated, proper formatting. The history function works well, and the calculator is accurate up to 25 digits. Most importantly, the whole calculation is visible so you can really see what you’re working with. If you need a decent calculator and are ok with a completely digital calculator, this is my app of choice.
Price: $5.99
Requires: OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: Seed Ltd.
MathBoard
MathBoard is yet another way to master basic arithmetic skills. MathBoard covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares, cubes and roots through user-generated quizzes of up to 250 questions each. You can define a number range from -1000 to 1000 and require that certain numbers be present in the problems. You can save quizzes, request similar quizzes and track statistics. Each quiz has a workspace to solve problems and access the the problem solver for basic arithmetic. It’s yet another great way to master basic math skills, geared towards a younger user base.
Price: $4.99
Requires: OS X 10.6 or later
Developer: Palasoftware Inc.
Statistics Pro
Statistics Pro is a program designed to easily calculate the most common statistics formulas in statistics, discrete mathematics, structures and business statistics classes. The app solves the problem and also provides a step-by-step guide to the solution. You can modify the problem with just one click to enter a different variable. Other features include expected values, data analysis, probability calculations and much more. One annoyance is the inability to save/print from the app, but it’s something I can deal with. For simple access to common formulas and solutions, statistics pro is the way to go.
Price: $4.99
Requires: OS X 10.4.0 or later
Developer: Praeter Software
These are a few of the many different apps available to help you learn to ace your troublesome math class. Whether you are helping someone to learn basic arithmetic or are struggling with a complicated equation from an upper-level math class, there is an app for your situation. While this is a limited selection, I consider these apps to be among the best apps.
As always, I’m curious to know what your list would be. Do you utilize any of these apps? Would you add a certain app to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
A Few Extra Apps from Our Editor
I happen to love math apps, so I couldn’t help but add a few here. If you’d like more math apps, here’ a few great ones to try out:
- Soulver: Like a notepad for calculations. Crazy simple to use, and very powerful
- Numi: Like a small, slimmed-down version of Soulver that lives in your menubar. Free right now, too.
- OmniOutliner: An outliner meets a simple spreadsheet, and you’re got quite a powerful combo.
- Numbers and Excel: Because spreadsheets are still some of the best math tools ever invented, and Numbers makes them fun again.
- Spotlight and Alfred: Doing simple calculations, directly in search, is something that I do daily, and it’s hard to overstate how useful it is.
That and WolframAlpha, which was mentioned above. Mathemetica and WolframAlpha were the most helpful tools for me in college doing calculus.