We use math extensively in our daily lives. However, the learning process can be complex and thus, bewildering for little learners. Learning new concepts, practising them, and applying them wherever required can be a task! Especially when they are asked to do their homework! That too, if home tasks involve impenetrable math concepts.
With most children nurturing a negative mindset towards math, it might be challenging for kids to complete their homework with no extra guidance. Having their attention and interest levels channeled towards the math homework is daunting.
This is where the digital world can help. Apps are a very good option to help students with their homework. The visuals and dynamics in an App can enhance the students’ interest level. They enrich the learning experience for the child. The student can process a larger amount of knowledge more easily and make it enjoyable.
This article lets us explore the idea of using Apps that will help a student with Math homework and keep up the engagement level.
Basis of selecting the best math homework apps
The lure of the digital world cannot be underestimated. Children are quickly drawn to it and therefore learning through this platform is a very good choice. How do we decide on a suitable App for our use?
The things we can consider while learning through Apps are:
1. Student engagement
The teaching through this mode is very interactive and involves either games or an activity; the child is kept engaged and learns in a fun way. The graphics and dynamics add to the experience. The choice of the App will depend on how interested the child is in it and if the child is enjoying the way the activity is flowing.
2. User friendly
Apps are downloaded and used on devices that the child is most familiar with. This makes it easier. However, the ease of use of the App is also to be considered. Often the child may have to use it without any help. The user interface must be such that it is easily understood by the student for deriving maximum benefits from it.
3. Topics covered
Math is a vast subject, and the child learns a variety of operations in each branch of Math. It is highly advantageous if the App covers a large range of topics so the student will not have to turn to too many Apps, making it inconvenient. An App is preferred if it can cater to many related topics so that the continuity of learning is intact.
4. Cater to all levels of learners
Different children are at different levels of learning. For some, assimilating concepts are easy. For others, it may take more effort. The App must have a good mix of activities suitable for all learners, making it beneficial for the user.
5. Newer concepts
Like all other subjects, Math is also facing new developments often. New concepts are being introduced in the curriculum. An app that can cater to the latest updates would be most suitable. The app must also be updated with newer methods to solve problems or multiple methods to do the same.
All these ensure that children can learn in a self-paced manner and gain more confidence and expertise.
Apps that can help children in their maths homework
From algebra to calculus, there are apps for every branch of maths. But, did you know that there are a few apps that help kids with their maths homework too? Here, we will discuss some of these nifty apps that can help ease the homework burden of little learners.
1. Microsoft Math solver
This is a one-stop solution for all math-related problems. This is a very good source for learning math and having the homework done. Step by step explanations is provided, which makes it an excellent choice. There are interactive videos, graphs, and online lectures.
It caters to all requirements of the student, like equation solving, problem-solving, and assignments. It supports elementary math, pre-algebra, algebra, basic calculus, and statistics. The unique point about the app is that the student can write on it using a tool that gives a feel of writing on paper. One can scan the problems and arrive at solutions.
App link: Playstore | App Store
2. Mathway – math calculator
A smart math calculator with solutions to all problems in calculus, algebra, and graphing.
It is the perfect tool to simplify all homework-related tasks. This application acts as a great tool for students who are struggling with any particular math problem.
When the students open the application, a calculator appears. But, this is not just any calculator. It has all the possible features that mathematics might have. From algebra to smaller and greater than — kids can input any problem on this calculator, for it to give you the correct answer.
With an easy user interface, it is a smart calculator providing instant homework help.
App link: Playstore | Appstore
3. Learn Math & Math problems
This math application is suitable for students of all age groups, as it covers a vast number of topics. From algebra to exponents and roots, to geometry and even simple topics like addition, subtraction, etc. – this application helps children with tutorials, games, and even tests!
The videos provided in the app are step-wise so that the little learners can understand the basics and fundamentals of the concept they are struggling in, or wanting to learn better. This application is also for adults, who wish to train their brain and solve a math test, just for fun!
The interactiveness of Learn Math aims at making students regular by forming a habit of regular practice. From basic math to mental math, math tests, and math questions, the app has multiple features to equip your child and make them a master of the subject!
App link: Playstore
4. Maple Calculator
Maple calculator helps to solve all levels of math problems easily. Be it at the elementary level or the university level. It also provides 2D and 3D graphs. The problems can be typed in or uploaded through the click of a camera. It can be used to find derivatives, logarithms, and more advanced math concepts.
The student can directly use the camera to handwrite math problems.
Suitable for beginners to advanced learners, it helps the student be better equipped with problem-solving skills.
App link: Playstore | App Store
5. Cuemath: Math Games, Online Classes & Learning App
For kids of kindergarten to class 10, this math application is a brain gym, as it consists of brain training, live classes, games, and much more. The application has its own network of teachers and trainers that help the kids with problem-solving.
This application has more than 50 games related to the various concepts of maths. Kids can also book online classes to learn various topics like coding, algebra, geometry, and much more. Each class has a fusion of worksheets, live classes, online tutorials, prerecorded videos, and question-answer sessions along with fun-filled games.
This application also provides a deep analysis of the performance of the kid so that teachers, parents and students themselves can assess themselves on the basis of their performance.
App link: App Store | Play Store
6. Math Tricks
Math is one subject where we all need to learn and understand the nitty-gritty of each and every concept to be able to master it. However, a few tricks never harm anyone! This application focuses on the various tricks that can help students solve a problem easier and quicker.
This colourful and interactive application can also be used by students who are preparing for competitive exams, as they need to solve certain questions quickly, and this is where the tips and tricks come in handy.
Math Tricks Application has tons of videos, worksheets, and games that can help the student understand a concept better. It also gives numerous ways to solve one type of question or problem that can help young minds choose the best-suited method for them.
Some common tricks include: Multiplication by eleven, Squaring of numbers ending in five, Multiplying two numbers whose last digits add to 10, Percentage Tricks, and Square Tricks using the Vedic math technique.
App link: Play Store
7. Easy Math
With different segregations for each class and concept, this application focuses on making the subject an easy ride for the students. It mainly focuses on concepts like roman numerals, measurements, fractions, word problems, etc.
By providing detailed reports, students can self-analyze their performance which can help move up the ladder, and become better at the subject. This application not only aims at helping students learn Math, but also trains the brain by speed tests, or playing duel games with friends and people around the globe.
Equipped with math tools, this application has a smart converter that can help students convert different units such as length, area, volume, mass, time, etc. This can help the students profusely with concept building, understanding, and doubt-clearing.
App link: Play Store
8. Graphing calculator
A scientific graphing calculator and algebra make it an indispensable tool for students from high school to the university level. Being great at learning support, helps one to increase proficiency in Math.
The results are presented in a readable form, and the graphs can be plotted with accuracy. A fine example of the developer’s skills, the app is an asset for a math student.
This scientific calculator works at helping kids with square roots, exponents, complex numbers, percent mode, multiple functions graphing, graph intersections, polar graphs, simple and complex fractions, and much more! It even has an algebra calculator where students can calculate linear equations, polynomials, approximate roots of higher polynomials, etc.
App link: Playstore | App Store
9. Komodo
Another application that helps kids master the various concepts of mathematics. This application is for kids who are between the ages 5-11. With concepts like counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, time tables, divisions, and much more, this application covers many essential topics that a student might be facing difficulty in.
The tailored videos and interactive sessions help students be more vigilant about a topic, and they become more informed about the various ways to solve one problem.
It also provides the students reports regularly, so that parents can know where their kids are standing with respect to performance.
App link: Playstore | App Store
Conclusion
Maths always creates anxious moments amongst students at some time or the other. These apps are a great way to overcome all the homework-related stress. Easy to use and compatible with most devices, they are definitely a math student’s friend, mentor, and guide as the student self learns. While there is no denying that we, today, are surrounded by technology and digital means to do each and everything— even studies. However, applications like these aim to make the kid more informed about the topic. They even help students by clearing their doubts and making them a master of the subject with various tools, resources, and tricks provided in the application.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,