Virtual learning has completely changed the way we learn and teach, especially in K-12 math education. The concepts students learn in Algebra 1 help pave the way for future math education, and mastery of these math concepts can be used as a predictor of future college success and career readiness. For example, algebra teaches students about exponents and fractions, all of which can be applied in real life, like how to budget and manage finances, measure items for cooking and overall critical and analytical thinking.
Luckily, there are many math apps available to help your students hone their algebra skills and prepare for advanced math classes and real-world situations.
Enhance learning with innovative algebra apps
Videos, games, apps and other digital tools encourage students to learn algebra autonomously and learn at their own pace. This approach can help build confidence, improve understanding and provide personalized learning experiences that meet students where they’re at in their education. And the best part? They’re all available in the app store for download on your iPhone, Android, iPad and more.
Explore the top algebra apps for virtual learning
What’s the best app for learning and teaching algebra? Well, that depends on your teaching style, your students’ learning style and where you feel they need the most help. Below are 14 apps to help take your algebra lessons to the next level in a fun way.
1. Khan Academy
This personalized learning platform with a focus on skill mastery empowers learners to study at their own pace:
- Key Benefit: Offers a structured learning path and practice exercises.
- Cost: Free
- Features: Comprehensive algebra courses and video tutorials
- Unique Aspects: Free access to high-quality educational resources.
2. Algebrator
This software solves user-entered problems from middle school and high school pre-algebra to college algebra:
- Key Benefit: Helps students understand complex equations through detailed explanations.
- Cost: Paid app with a free trial available
- Features: Step-by-step solutions and interactive problem-solving
- Unique Aspects: Ability to tackle a wide range of algebraic problems
3. Photomath
This scan-to-solve app provides the correct answer while explaining multiple ways to solve the problem through a step-by-step process:
- Key Benefit: Encourages learning by showing solution steps.
- Cost: Free with in-app purchases
- Features: Camera-based equation scanning and instant solutions
- Unique Aspects: Real-time feedback and user-friendly interface
4. Cymath
Offers a simple, free-form input model that provides easy-to-follow solutions and explanations:
- Key Benefit: Simplifies problem-solving with detailed guides
- Cost: Free with in-app purchases
- Features: Instant math problem solver and step-by-step explanations
- Unique Aspects: Supports multiple languages
5. Wolfram Alpha
This site uses a vast collection of built-in data, algorithms and methods to help students find and understand an answer:
- Key Benefit: Provides detailed solutions and explanations
- Cost: Free with premium features available
- Features: Computational engine, vast problem database
- Unique Aspects: Covers a wide range of algebra topics
6. Mathway
This on-demand tool offers advanced subjects and graphing capabilities:
- Key Benefit: Assists in visualizing algebraic equations
- Cost: Free with subscription options for additional features
- Features: Graphing capabilities and comprehensive problem solving
- Unique Aspects: Supports a variety of math disciplines
7. DragonBox Algebra 12+
This app takes interactive game play and turns it into an advanced algebraic lesson that’s fun and easy to understand:
- Key Benefit: Makes learning algebra fun and engaging
- Cost: Paid app
- Features: Game-based learning and interactive challenges
- Unique Aspects: Award-winning educational approach
8. GeoGebra
This award-winning program uses dynamic mathematics software for all levels of STEM education:
- Key Benefit: Enhances understanding through visualizations
- Cost: Free
- Features: Dynamic geometry and algebra software
- Unique Aspects: Seamless integration of geometry and algebra
9. Desmos
This online problem solving tool offers an artistic twist that caters to more visual learners:
- Key Benefit: Helps visualize algebraic concepts
- Cost: Free
- Features: Advanced graphing calculator and interactive algebra tools
- Unique Aspects: Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
10. Microsoft Math Solver
This entry-level math calculator is available in several languages including English, Spanish, Hindi and German:
- Key Benefit: Assists with step-by-step solutions and explanations
- Cost: Free
- Features: AI-powered problem-solving and interactive learning
- Unique Aspects: Integrates with Microsoft learning tools
11. Symbolab
This fully automated platform is supported by advanced algorithms that teach algebra, differential equations and more:
- Key Benefit: Offers comprehensive explanations for different algebraic problems
- Cost: Free with subscription options for additional features
- Key Features: Equation solver and detailed solution breakdowns
- Unique Aspects: Extensive database of solved problems
12. Maple Calculator
This calculator was built for K-12 and college math with 2-D and 3-D graphs and step-by-step solutions:
- Key Benefit: Supports a wide range of algebraic functions
- Cost: Free with in-app purchases
- Key Features: Graphing, solving and exploring algebraic expressions
- Unique Aspects: Advanced calculation capabilities
13. Socratic by Google
This platform provides visual explanations and solutions for K-12 and college students, powered by Google AI:
- Key Benefit: Provides intuitive insights and learning resources
- Cost: Free
- Features: AI-driven learning assistant and instant help
- Unique Aspects: Utilizes AI to aid in understanding complex topics
14. Archie AI by ASU Prep
This advanced AI-driven learning tool offers personalized, real-time feedback and guidance to help students conquer their math challenges:
- Key Benefit: Offers context-sensitive hints that guide students toward the correct solution without giving away the answer
- Cost: Paid app with free demo available
- Features: AI-driven feedback system with adaptive hints and handwriting recognition
- Unique Aspects: The platform offers insights into a student’s progress over time
Conclusion
While each app specializes in a different feature or outcome, all of these tools can help enhance your students’ learning experience and your teaching strategy by providing tools that cater to different learning styles and needs. You can build a more interactive and effective learning environment by integrating one or more of these apps into your Algebra 1 virtual classroom and setting up your students for long-term success.
ASU Prep Global helps teachers stay ahead with digital solutions for K–12 teaching success
As educators, there are many factors to consider when integrating new learning tools, like apps, into your classroom. ASU Prep Global can help with comprehensive support to make the transition hassle-free, including our professional development courses, Thriving as a Digital Teacher or Introduction to Blended Learning. The resources you need to start spending more time teaching and less time worrying about technology are right at your fingertips.
ASU Prep Global partners with other K–12 schools to build new models of educational success, embed early college experiences and provide access to the latest innovative technologies, digital courseware and professional development. We’re more than a curriculum provider—we’re an innovation partner to top schools and school districts.
We help our partners create high-impact, high-quality digital education that meets the unique needs of their learners and staff. We’re passionate about partnering with school leaders to help innovate learning for K–12 students and educators through Arizona State University-led research, proven effective learning practices and industry-leading online education technology.
14 algebra apps to transform your virtual classroom FAQs
Are there costs associated with these apps?
It varies by app. A majority of apps on this list are free to use, but some may require a fee if you want to upgrade or access additional resources. Check the app details before downloading and/or purchasing to see if you need to subscribe to a monthly or yearly membership.
How can these apps enhance student engagement and understanding?
These apps aim to meet your students where they’re at in their education. They help keep students engaged, build confidence, improve understanding and encourage active participation in their education.
Do these apps offer support for students with different learning needs?
Yes! Most apps are designed to evaluate and adjust lessons based on the performance of the student. They can be dynamic and cater to specific needs.
How easy is it to integrate these apps into existing lesson plans?
These apps can be used to recap a lesson, review previous lessons before a test and even serve as the test itself. They serve as an interactive complement to your existing lesson plan to help strengthen students’ comprehension and retention.