Fraction Math is an app for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch that teaches your student how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step instructions. Your student will need to understand the concept of what a fraction is in order to be successful with this app. My student is just beginning 6th grade. You can probably use it for students as young as grade 3. Adults who need a refresher in fraction operations (I sure did!) will find this app quite useful as well.
Fraction Math offers several options to customize your student’s experience:
The customizable option of setting specific problems allows this app to be used with any math program. Ben has used it to plug in his daily math problems, rather than writing it all on paper.
The app uses prompts each step of the way, allowing your student to figure out the next step, and gently correcting if they make an incorrect choice.
The interface is very plain, without the distractions commonly found on math apps. Imagine writing a math problem on a whiteboard and then writing each step to to solve it and you can picture this app.
There is also a small glossary of terms. If your student forgets which number is on the bottom, numerator or denominator, a quick tap on “Terms” will remind him.
One of my favorite features is this “Tip” option. It adapts to the problem your student is working on. So if he is struggling with how to begin to subtract a fraction, such as the one below, tapping on “Tip” will bring up a reminder of how to begin.
Simple, straight-forward, to the point, no muss-no fuss. That’s how I can best describe Fraction Math. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles, in fact, the app is completely silent. Nothing to distract. For a child easily distracted, like mine, it’s perfect. It’s not a game, it’s a math tool. It gets the job done, and does it well. And for the reasonable price of $3.99.
