Tic Tac Math Trilogy App Review
App Info
Price: $2.99
Overview
Tic Tac Math Trilogy puts a little fun into the tedium of drill and practice that is so desperately needed by math students of all ages. Players can challenge the computer or another person to a rousing game of tic-tac-toe, but with a math twist. In order to choose a square for an X or an O, they must first solve the math problem in that square. Challenges range from simple addition through operations with fractions to solving algebraic equations.
Features include:
- Includes four operations with whole numbers and fractions
- Includes linear, quadratic and exponential algebraic equations
- Includes systems of equations
- Offers three levels of difficulty for each skill
- Offers solitary or partner play
Quality
Tic Tac Math Trilogy is a very high quality app. Everything works as it should, and the app is intuitive to play, since it is based on the familiar game. It even keeps records of performance at each level, which is a real plus. Developers did a great job of making the app functional, educationally sound, and fun!
Education
Math is often a weak point in children’s skill development, and one of the reasons is lack of practice. Most students are bored to tears with the kind of drill necessary for proficiency at math facts, computation, and solving more complex problems required for success in basic algebra, but this app dresses up the flashcard practice with tic-tac-toe.
The app has three modes: basic math, fractions, and algebra. The first two include options to choose one of the four operations for focus, and there are three skill levels available. Basic math ranges from answering basic math facts through solving complex 3-digit problems with and without regrouping. The fractions level starts with addition and subtraction of like denominators and multiplication/division by whole numbers and ends by using large, unusual and often improper fractions. The algebra level offers linear equations, quadratic equations, exponential equations and systems of equations to solve. The easy levels have single variables and small numbers while the challenging levels use two and three-digit numbers and multiple variables. All in all, children from first grade through high school can play.
Developers also definitely have students in mind with the features they included in Tic Tac Math Trilogy. There is a help feature on each puzzle that reviews the basics of how to manage that type of problem. Students also have access to “scratch paper” simply by doing their calculations in the margins of the screen.
Entertainment
If you have to practice math, it might as well be fun! Tic Tac Math Trilogy adds a bit of a challenge to an otherwise dull drill and practice activity. The game of tic-tac-toe becomes a bit more challenging when players are not always free to choose the squares they desire (if they can’t solve the problem in that square), so even the simple strategy of tic-tac-toe gets a boost in complexity.
The app rewards correct responses by placing the player’s symbol in the coveted square. An incorrect response is simply acknowledged with an “Oops!” sign that disappears quickly, leaving the square open for the next player to choose. The app keeps a running score between the two players, so challenges can go on as long as you wish. It’s a simple system, but fun and engaging.
Value
This app may be one of the best ninety-nine cent investments you could make in your students’ success. It offers an endless array of problems at a huge range of levels of difficulty, and can really grow to meet each student’s needs. It’s perfect for families, classrooms, and even special needs students.
Child Friendliness
Tic Tac Math Trilogy is intuitive to play and child friendly.
- NO external links
- NO social media
- NO in-app purchase
- NO 3rd party ads
