Math Ref

Price:  Free/$1.99

Purpose/Capabilities: 

Math Ref Free is the free version of Math Ref.  Both apps, as the names suggest, are reference tools for middle and high school level math courses (and physics).  The topics include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, series and sequences, differentiation, integration, probability and statistics, physics, algorithms, financial, Greek alphabet, and prime numbers.  Within each of these topics, there are subtopics to get more information about.  It gives the definition or equation for the given subtopic and provides helpful explanations and examples for these topics where applicable.  Also included is a section for you to write your own notes about the topic.  You can print or e-mail the information to yourself.

Positive Aspects: 

The free version of the app has over 700 formulas, figures, tips, and examples, and the full version has over 1,400.  It is a great, quick way for students to reference information on different mathematical concepts that is all in one place.  When going through the material, students have the opportunity to add their own thoughts in the notes section for when they refer back to the reference tool.

In addition to all the reference material the app has, it also contains “tools” which include a quadratic solver, a remainder finder, triangle solver, angle converter, and more.

Negative Aspects: 

The information for each of the topics is limited, but it is a great starting point for students to turn to in which they can add their own notes in order to make it more complete.  The other issue that may occur is the definitions or formulas may be slightly different than the ones given in class or in the course book.   Students should be made aware of this.