AlgeBasics for Windows

AlgeBasics is an educational tool that helps users learn basic algebra. Although the program has a teaching component, we're not sure that users who are not already familiar with the basics of algebra will get much out of it.

The program's interface isn't the most intuitive thing we've ever seen, but it's fairly easy to understand. AlgeBasics covers four main topics: algebraic expressions, algebraic fractions, indices (positive only), and indices with negatives. For each of these topics users can either view a tutorial or work a set of practice problems. We found the tutorials to be a bit lacking, especially for beginners--the section on fractions, for example, makes immediate reference to the "LCM," without explaining that it means "lowest common multiple." We were also surprised that the algebraic expressions addressed multiplication and division before addition and subtraction. The sets of practice problems are useful, growing progressively more difficult and awarding points for each correct answer. Users will definitely want to have a pencil and paper handy for these, as many of them will be difficult to solve mentally. Overall, we think that users who already have some algebra under their belts will likely find the program beneficial, but this program is not appropriate for stand-alone use as an introduction to algebra. Algebasics' Help file is a two-page PDF with basic information about the program's use.

AlgeBasics has a 20-use trial limitation, and each use has a time limitation. The program installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to students who already have some familiarity with algebra.