You don’t have to be a math major to learn mathematics in college. Many academic programs include math as one of the courses. So, whether you are pursuing engineering or business, this interesting subject will pop up at some point.
Besides, most careers require the application of math. For example, Logic Gates uses Boolean Algebra, Databases involve the use of Relational Algebra, and Number Theory has many applications.
Not to forget, Data Science involves mathematical concepts, such as Probability Theory, Linear Algebra, Multivariate Calculus, and more. Therefore, math is important even past high school.
While math is fun, some topics can be challenging. That’s where math apps come in to simplify the learning process. You can use these applications as supplementary tools to practice and learn mathematics.
Most of these tools will double-check an answer, provide a step-by-step procedure and even plot a graph for a function of your choice, and more.
In this article, I will highlight the best math apps for college students.
Let’s dive in.
Best Math Apps for College Students
1. Photomath
Photomath is a popular app among college students who use it to check their math homework, prepare for exams, and build their math confidence.
The app’s key features include interactive graphs, multiple solution methods, free step-by-step processes, video learning, word problem exercises, and an advanced scientific calculator.
The math app covers a broad array of topics, including numbers and quantity, algebra, functions, calculus, trigonometry and angles, and sequences.
Under calculus, Photomath helps you solve integrals, the area under the curve, tangent lines, limits, derivatives, differential equations, parametrization of curves, and more.
If you are seeking solutions to algebra problems, Photomath can let you solve equations and inequalities, polynomial divisions, determinants, combinations, variations, and permutations. You can also use it to solve matrices and matrix equations, binomial theorems, and factorials.
For sequences-related problems, this app lets you identify sequences, test for convergence, and find solutions for geometric and arithmetic series questions.
Photomath’s free version lets you enjoy step-by-step explanations for various problems. If you want to learn mathematics at an advanced level, upgrade to Photomath Plus.
This version gives you access to a library of explanations from specific textbooks so you can solve geometry and word problems. You will be accessing content approved by the world’s best mathematics instructors. Additionally, you will have access to extra ‘why’ and ‘how’ tips for various problems.
You will also enjoy multimedia learning to help you visualize and grasp math through audio explanations and AI animations.
According to the Photomath website, Photomath Plus costs $9.99 per month and $59.99 per year, which applies to both Android and iOS apps.
Find out more apps like Photomath in this post.
2. Symbolab: Picture Math Solver
Symbolab is a professional math problem solver and calculator. Simply take a picture with the app’s scanner so that you can find answers to various math questions. You can also type the math problem, whether it’s a word problem or an equation.
Use Symbolab to get help with algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, matrix, geometry, and vectors homework. You will access step-by-step solutions to problems tailored to our interests and needs.
Symbolab has more than 500 scientific calculators developed by math pros for your needs. Examples of calculators include the fraction calculator, derivative calculator, integral calculator, graphing calculator, matrix calculator, trigonometry calculator, inequality calculator, ODE calculator, series calculator, and many more.
Symbolab solves your math problems for free. However, to view step-by-step explanations from the app’s leading mathematicians and tutors, subscribe annually, monthly, or weekly.
Symbolab’s weekly subscription costs $2.49, the monthly subscription fee is $6.99, and the yearly subscription is $29.99. This cost applies to both Android and iOS apps.
3. Microsoft Math Solver
Microsoft developed the Math Solver program to help you solve mathematical problems involving numerical formulas, trigonometric equations, linear algebra, calculus, statistics, etc.
This app uses artificial intelligence to help you solve mathematical problems. Additionally, Maths Solver offers detailed explanations for all of its solutions.
To use Math Solver, write a mathematical problem on the screen or snap a math problem using a camera. The app instantly recognizes the mathematical problem and provides a step-by-step process to help you solve it.
If you wish to practice further, Math Solver provides interactive graphs related to your equations and other problems of a similar nature that are available online. You can even gain access to online video lectures detailing similar problems.
Use this app to solve your homework math problems and gain confidence as you master various techniques. The best part? It’s completely free and without ads whether on Android or iOS devices.
- Download Microsoft Math Solver from the Play Store
- Download Microsoft Math Solver from the App Store
Also Read: Best Course Hero Alternatives
4. Graphing Calculator + Math
This scientific graphing calculator has an algebraic integration and suits college students and even those in graduate school. It was created to replace costly and bulky handheld graphing calculators. It works virtually on Android phones and tablets.
For some math issues, it can be considerably simpler to just be able to visualize the graphs of the various functions. For instance, rather than determining the point where the function intersects the x-axis on the graph, it is relatively simple to record it.
The Graphing Calculator from MathLab is super useful in circumstances like these. You can also use it for many other computations, including the discovery of derivatives and integrals as well as the simplification of mathematical formulas.
Even though you might not be allowed to use this in tests, it will be incredibly useful while you are rehearsing and verifying your answers.
This tool integrates different calculators, including a scientific calculator, graphing calculator, algebra calculator, fraction calculator, probability and statistics, and matrix calculator.
The free version has some exciting features but it has ads and requires the internet to work. However, the pro features are even more powerful and include
- Nine workplaces
- Physical constants
- No ads
- Full-screen graphs
- Offline mode
- Longer input and history
- 30 days refund
- Save constants, expressions, and functions in the library
Graphing Calculator + Math app is only available for Android devices. The pro version costs just $9.99.
- Download Graphing Calculator + Math (free) from the Play Store
- Download Graphing Calculator + Math (PRO) from the Play Store
5. iMathematics!
Are you looking for a personal math tutor? iMathematics! has got you covered. Thousands of students use it to prepare for exams.
The free version of iMathematics! has over 70 topics that you can learn from, and each topic has a simple and clear explanation. The advanced search algorithm allows you to quickly find a topic that matters to you, thus saving you time.
You will find interactive calculators to make problem-solving easy. For example, you can use the Advanced Calculator, the Equation Solver, and the Fraction Approximator to work out your math problems fast.
The Pro version of iMathematics! costs $2.99 and gives you access to over 120 topics, with most being advanced. This version comes with interactive quizzes that you can practice to get a rating that reflects your preparation level.
You also benefit from the step-by-step solved exercises, which give you an insight into the methods you can use to solve various problems correctly.
Besides, the pro version gives you access to advanced utilities, such as the Systems Solver, Graphing Calculator, Math Glossary, and Matrices Solver.
What’s more, you can use the Daily Graph to keep track of performance. iMathematics! is only available on the App Store.
- Download the iMathematics! free app from the App Store
- Download iMathematics! Pro from the App Store
6. Cymath – Math Problem Solver
If you are a math enthusiast you have probably heard about Cymath.com – a math website that helps millions solve math problems on various topics.
Well, the Cymath app for Android and Apple devices works using an algorithm similar to Cymath.com. You just enter a problem from your math homework and the app solves it for you step by step.
Use Cymath to solve your algebra homework problems, such as equation solving, logarithms, complex numbers, factoring, exponents, quadratic equations, trigonometry, exponents, partial fractions, and polynomial divisions.
You can also use Cymath to find solutions on calculus topics, including product rule, chain rule, quotient rule, u-substitution, integration by partial fraction, rationalization substitution, integrations by part, trigonometric substitution, and more.
Cymath is free to use on iOS and Android devices.
Check Out: Best Chegg Alternatives
7. Mathway – Scan & Solve Problems
Mathway is one of the smartest math calculators for graphing, calculus, algebra, and more. It gives you access to various math solutions, helping you understand complex mathematical concepts.
Using Mathway is straightforward: point the camera and take a photo of your math problem or simply type the math question and you will see step-by-step solutions.
You can download Mathway on your Android or Apple device for free. However, you can go premium by paying a subscription fee of $9.99 per month or $39.99 per year. The subscription fee applies to both Android and iOS apps.
To upgrade, you will need to create an account. The premium version lets you access step-by-step solutions to math problems and eliminates ads in the app.
Check out the best websites like Mathway here.
8. Brainly – Homework Math Solver
Brainly is a robust math solver that you can use to solve geometrical, trigonometric, and algebraic problems. The app provides you with accurate and expert-verified answers instantly.
Here are some of the features that I like about Brainly:
- You can have unlimited access from any location and at any time.
- It shows you expert-vetted answers.
- You can use the camera scanner to take a snap of the question.
- Quick problem solver – you get answers to questions in minutes.
- You can access real-time help from professional math tutors.
With an online community of at least 350 million buddies willing to help, you will have the motivation to learn and enjoy math. This community can get answers to your math homework within minutes.
Brainly is free to use but has two premium versions: Brainly Tutor and Brainly Plus.
You can upgrade to Brainly Tutor and get instant access to a math expert ready to help you handle your math questions.
On the other hand, Brainly Plus gives you unlimited access to all solutions and has no ads.
Brainly Plus costs $9.99 per month or $39.99 per year and Brainly Tutor costs $29.99 per month and $95.99 per year. These rates appear on the app store.
For the Android app, the in-app purchases (subscriptions) cost between $1.99 and $96.
9. MyScript Calculator 2
MyScript Calculator 2 is a math app that turns your Android phone or tablet into an interactive paper. Using it is a piece of cake. You simply write any calculation and the app gets you the result instantly.
You can use the editing features or add new elements to develop your calculations further. This calculator is based on MyScript Interactive Ink. MyScript Calculator 2 is the successor of the popular and award-winning first handwriting calculator.
The app lets you write calculations naturally and intuitively without a keyboard. You can use scratch-out gestures to quickly erase any writing. You can also use this feature to remove numbers and symbols.
You can drag and drop specific numbers to and from the canvas or the memory bar, or to another external application.
MyScript Calculator 2 allows you to compute problems involving fractions. This functionality lets you display results in mixed numbers, decimals, and fractions.
Do you want to continue a particular calculation on the next line or include many calculations on several lines? You can do all that with MyScript Calculator 2.
Most importantly, you can save your results in memory and use them next time when handling calculations.
The history feature lets you retrieve your past calculations so that you can export or reuse them.
The supported operators include logarithms, constants, brackets, trigonometry, inverse trigonometry, roots, powers, exponentials, and square roots.
MyScript Calculator 2 costs $2.99 on both iOS and Android devices.
- Download MyScript Calculator 2 from the Play Store
- Download MyScript Calculator 2 from the App Store
Explore: Best Textsheet Alternatives
10. Algebra Touch
Have you been taught to always solve math equations the way the teacher taught them? Then Algebra Touch is the perfect app for you. It gives you the opportunity to break from that norm.
You can swap the variables in an algebraic equation in any way you want until they make perfect sense.
This supplemental learning aid empowers you to play with algebra without making mistakes. It supports hands-on, visual activities, providing a new perspective on math.
You can use it to poke around freely. Did the equation react the way you expected? If it didn’t, it’s time to upgrade your mode of understanding and give it another try. That’s how you master math.
I like several features of Algebra Touch. It has numerous, randomly generated practice problems to help you learn how to solve equations from different angles.
At the end of each module, there’s a challenge mode to test your understanding. Do you need more in-depth explanations to improve your grasp of specific topics? Algebra Touch has instructional videos that you can always refer to.
Interestingly, you don’t only have to try and solve the existing math problems, but you can also create your own practice problems and tinker around to push the limit.
College math students and instructors will find this app useful.
It’s designed for iPad and iPhone and is free to install and use. The in-app purchases cost $3.99.
Check Out: Best Kahoot Alternatives
11. MathStudio Express
MathStudio Express is a feature-rich scientific calculator with tons of math functions that cover a wide array of topics, including Algebra, Pre-Algebra, Basic Math, Precalculus, Trigonometry, Calculus, Finite Math, Statistics, Linear Algebra, and more.
This math app provides features similar to those on TI calculators, but with an intuitive and modern interface.
Using this application, you can integrate, solve equations, calculate derivatives, and carry out graphing. I like the quick tutorial that helps you to understand how the app works and start using it quickly.
Use MathStudio Express to plot lists of data in boxes, histograms, scatter, and probability plots. The app includes an advanced regression analysis package with multiple regression functions to select from. You can also create customized functions if you want.
A proprietary computerized algebra system powers MathStudio and typesets all your answers beautifully. Whether you have a difficult algebraic equation or a polynomial factorization, this app will help out.
You can use it to solve differential equations, quadratic equations, derivatives, limits, integrals, and more. MathStudio’s programming language lets you create scripts that support loops, recursion, and variables.
MathStudio Express costs $6.99 and works well on an iPhone and iPad.
Explore: Kahoot vs Blooket
12. Math Ref
Math Ref has more than 1,400 formulas, examples, and figures to help you solve various math problems. You can perform common calculations quickly using tools like the quadratic solver, unit converter, and triangle solver.
Math Ref lets you save equations as favorites. The search tool lets you find any function you want, including prime numbers. The editable notes let you write notes that you can get back to later.
Do you want to print an equation and access it offline on paper? Math Ref supports printing. You can also use the app in dark mode.
The main categories in Math Ref include algebra, linear algebra, integration, geometry, vector calculus, series and sequences, trigonometry, derivatives, discrete functions, differential equations, algorithms, table of integrals, and probability and statistics.
The Math Ref iOS app costs $1.99.
Also Read: Gimkit vs Kahoot
The Scientific Graphing Calculator is beautiful, fast, and powerful for solving math problems. The intuitive interface displays drawn functions just like you’d write on paper and not squeeze everything into one line.
What sets Algeo apart from most graphing calculators is that you can operate it without an internet connection. It’s handy for solving calculus and algebraic problems.
The free app has more features compared to the large-sized TI-84 graphing calculator.
As a graphing calculator, you can use Algeo to draw up to four functions, share plots with members of your class, find intersections and roots automatically, analyze a function, pinch to zoom, and create a table of values for a particular function.
As a calculus calculator, this app lets you draw functions, solve equations, perform symbolic differentiation, calculate definite integrals, and calculate a Taylor series.
As a scientific graphing calculator, Algeo has features, such as logarithms, trigonometry, hyperbolic functions, variables, combinatorial functions, result history, radians and degrees, and scientific notation. It also lets you solve linear equations involving (x+y), and do everything that you can do on a TI graphing calculator.
If you need any assistance or have a question, when using the app, tap the menu button, click Help, or email support.
Graphing Calculator – Algeo is only available for Android devices for free. It has in-app purchases of $2.99 per item.
Also Read: Best Chemistry Websites
14. HiPER Scientific Calculator
HiPER Scientific Calculator is one of the best math apps for college students with over 10 million downloads. It has up to nine digits of exponent and 100 digits of significand.
HiPER detects repeating numbers and decimals. You can also enter a fraction or convert a decimal into a fraction.
The app lets you write an expression naturally and watch the results display as a simplified expression, a number, etc.
HiPER Scientific Calculator has different layouts to suit varying screen sizes. The pocket layout is for small devices, expanded for tablets, and compact for mobile phones in landscape and portrait orientations.
If using a tablet, you can turn on a multi-line display to show the history of calculations and access the previous results. The calculator features high-quality themes that you can choose and use.
HiPER Scientific Calculator has numerous functions, including
- Mixed numbers
- Basic arithmetic operations
- Repeated operations
- Fractions
- Graphs of functions
- Unlimited braces
- Derivatives and integrals
- Complex numbers
- Graphs of functions, 3D graphs, and integral area
- Products and sums of sequences
- Hyperbolic and trigonometric functions
- Roots, powers, and logarithms
- Conversion between polar and rectangular coordinates
HiPER Scientific Calculator is completely free for Android and iOS devices. However, the iOS version has in-app purchases (pro version) for $39.
- Download HiPER Scientific Calculator from Play Store.
- Download HiPER Scientific Calculator from App Store.
Explore: Best Khan Academy Alternatives
Wrap Up
Solving math problems is fun when you have an app at hand. Whether it’s algebra, calculus, trigonometry, or probability, the above best math apps for college students will help you get the job done.
Each app has unique features to address math problems so pick the one that meets your needs. You can install it on your phone or tablet, and start finding solutions even to the trickiest mathematical questions.
Enjoyed the post?
