For many people, mathematical formulas and theorems can make their brains hurt. Thankfully, apps can arm students of all ages with powerful tools that make math less of a mystery, from graphing calculators to algebra tutors. And even for adults, you don’t need to work in a math heavy field to find apps useful. No matter if you’re looking for a quick formula, are cooking dinner, or just want something to keep you sharp, there are many useful math apps you can use for everyday tasks. There are lots of choices out there, but we’ve done the hard work for you by hand-selecting the 10 best math apps.
1. Graphing Calculator by Mathlab (Free; Android)
Graphing calculators used to be expensive, complex and pretty fun if you could program games on them. However, those studying advanced mathematics can download an app like Graphing Calculator by Mathlab. This free app provides its users with advanced operators, functions, an intuitive user interface and beautifully laid out graphs featuring slopes, roots and intersections - just to name a few.
2. Convert Units for Free (Free; iOS)
Allowing you to convert nearly anything - be it currency, data, energy, power or temperature - Convert Units for Free is a fantastic app for those who work in a mathematics heavy field, cooks/chefs, or just as an addition to the stock calculator app. For world travellers, it also is able to convert currency in real time using up to date exchange rates. Happen to find a conversion it cannot perform or you'd like to add your own? This useful app also allows for custom conversions, which is a rare feature.
3. Numbler (US$0.99; iOS)
While apps that do complicated calculations for you are great, sometimes it is good to brush up on your math skills. Numbler by Brainingcamp is an innovative game that allows you to compete against the computer or friends in the style of "Words With Friends," but instead of creating words with your tiles, users are tasked with creating equations.
4. MathRef (US$1.99; iOS, Android)
MathRef is a solid app for quickly finding formulas across multiple disciplines. This app does not cover as many disciplines as WolframAlpha, but that is perhaps a strength as is it more focused on traditional math fields such as Algebra, Geometry and Calculus. MathRef also has an excellent user interface, allowing users to add notes to equations, save favourite equations and copy text from within the app to e-mails or text editor.
5. TallyTots (US$1.99; iOS, Android)
For toddlers and those just learning their 123's, there is Tally Tots. Allowing kids to perform tasks based on the number chosen (1 through 20), this is a fun and interactive game which introduces little-ones to math basics in a fun and attention grabbing way. Its availability across a significant number of devices and its colourful design make this app a winner for parents and kids alike.
6. Dewalt Mobile Pro (Free; iOS)
Often overlooked, the equations contractors and woodworkers perform regularly are quite complex. With that in mind, well respected power tool manufacturer Dewalt released this app. Dewalt Mobile Pro contains five free calculators for general construction, real world examples, illustrations and allows users to email their calculations to others. Those who will be using it frequently for work or their DIY project may want to look into in-app purchases such as additional calculators or "packages" for specific fields (such as the construction package).
More: 25 Best Android Apps
7. Wolfram Alpha (US$2.99; Android, iOS)
Wolfram Alpha, available for both Android and iOS, offers up detailed answers to any math-related or number-centric question you could ever have. This computational knowledge engine can compute almost anything across 29 disciplines. You can get formula details, graphic representations and brief explanations to help you understand how the app arrived at a given solution. It will even tell you the meaning of life, if you ask it.
8. Math vs. Zombies (US$4.99; iOS)
Gamers may remember the old House of the Dead games, which came equipped with awesome mid-90s graphics and a handheld gun. That game was converted to the educational cult classic, "Typing of the Dead." Similarly, "Math vs Zombies" allows kids to get rid of the zombies invading their town by taping the answer to the equation placed over the zombies head. As players progress, the problems get harder to keep the game challenging. By making math fun and entertaining, this is a great way for kids to learn while passing the time.
9. Digits (US$0.99; iOS)
When it comes to calculator replacements for the iPhone, Digits [iOS] is the app to beat. After making standard calculations, Digits saves your work in an on-screen tape akin to the old accounting calculators with the paper ribbon. If you made a mistake anywhere in the ribbon, “check the tape” to locate the error and correct the calculation on the spot. Once you’ve made all the calculations needed, you can save and share your ribbon for printing or further manipulation in Apple’s Numbers or Microsoft Excel.
10. MyScript Calculator (Free; Android, iOS)
Some of us have very nice handwriting, others have chicken scratch. When using a stylus or our finger on a screen, however, most of us just have chicken scratch. This makes the functionality of MyScript Calculator [Android, iOS] even more impressive. By writing the equation you are looking to solve onto your phone or tablet’s screen, the app deciphers your writing, converts it to digital text, then solves the problem for you. So if you’re someone who doesn’t want to hunt for a specific operator on your phones keyboard, this is the app for you.
Top image via Funzim.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please adhere to proper blog etiquette when posting your comments. This blog owner will exercise his absolution discretion in allowing or rejecting any comments that are deemed seditious, defamatory, libelous, racist, vulgar, insulting, and other remarks that exhibit similar characteristics. If you insist on using anonymous comments, please write your name or other IDs at the end of your message.