Algebrator from Softmath is a program with few bells and whistles. It does not have any games or animations to help kids enjoy math. What Algebrator does include is an interactive tutor that tells kids how to complete a problem and checks over the work they’ve done with a fine-toothed comb. Algebrator includes pre-algebra, but it also goes all the way up through college math. This means that a student can use this software for years to come after mastering pre-algebra. The program is regularly updated and is available for $39.99, as of 2010.
Bagatrix is a software company with many different specific math programs, including Pre-Algebra Solved! The program includes many different pre-algebra topics like adding fractions, combining like terms, converting measurements and finding a perpendicular line. As your child progresses, he can keep track of his progress to identify the subjects that he may need to work on. Pre-Algebra Solved! has the ability to generate customized practice tests, and it has a helpful online support system. The program comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, and it is available for $39.99, as of 2010.
Math Success, by TOPICS Entertainment, has sections that cover pre-algebra and two levels of algebra. The lessons are straight-forward, and they lack any sort of animation, games or fluff. There is no homework help feature, but the program does offer a limited free membership to the website Tutor.com. There is some lag time in closing the program or loading up quizzes, but the program features a lot of important information that is worth waiting for. It contains 10 chapters that focus on pre-algebra alone.
Math Tutor is one of the most comprehensive pre-algebra programs (and also the most expensive). The program can be distributed as a school version or as a home self-study version. Math Tutor covers areas such as operations using whole numbers, expressions and formulas and simple inequalities. The program is designed by math educators to fit with standard pre-algebra curriculum standards. The lessons are dynamic and interactive and include performance analysis features. Math Tutor is available for $49.95 for self-study and for $350 for a version that can be shared on a network, as of 2010.