Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Math Software 4-6.

Ratings

Teaching Tools

A good program offers a variety of teaching tools. Beyond static text instruction, the program should include interactive elements such as games, quizzes or building features with several skill levels and ways to monitor progress.

Topics Covered

Fourth through sixth graders face many math subjects in three years, ranging from multiplication and decimals to introductory geometry and algebra;, a flexible program covers all of these subjects.

Ease of Install/Use

This criterion considers how quickly a product installs, how easy it is to use and whether any problems occurred while using the software.

Help/Support

Exceptional product support can boost a good product to an excellent product. Access to responsive technical support and inter-program help are important. We considered whether the software includes a user manual, inter-program help, online help or FAQs as well as email or telephone support. The best products provide all of these.

Teaching Tools

Quizzes/Tests

These short tests evaluate the student's abilities and progress.

Games

Often kids enjoy activities that go beyond what a textbook can offer - games are fun ways to provide entertainment with an educational value.

Drills

Drills are different from tests; they are usually timed and aimed to increase speed and accuracy and reinforce basic skills such as multiplication.

Text Instruction

This is information provided in written form.

Audio Instruction

Information imparted through narration or animated characters.

Animations

Cartoon like moving images or dynamic simulations of math exercises.

Adjustable Skill Levels

A flexible program can automatically adjust difficulty as the student progresses or enables students to choose their difficulty level.

Additional Online Resources

Some products provide additional resources online such as activities, worksheets or online games or puzzles.

Progress Monitor

Many programs can monitor one student's or multiples students' progress and performance.

Calculator

Inter-program calculators or access to the Microsoft calculator through the program can be useful feature.

Glossary/Index

It is convenient if the program provides quick access to definitions or explanations of math terms through either an index or glossary.

Topics Covered

Estimating

In contrast to accurately solving a math problem, estimation may round numbers to provide a quick reasonable answer.

Rounding

This is the process of reducing or increasing a number to its nearest agreed upon term, such as nearest number divisible by 10 or nearest whole number.

Decimals

Numbers expressed in or utilizing a decimal system may be subdivided into 10th or 100th units.

Money Transactions

The program includes instruction on counting money, making change or budgeting.

Multiplication

Mathematical operation that in its simplest form is an abbreviated process of adding a number to itself a specified number of times.

Division

Multiplication's counterpart, the operation of dividing a number by a specified number of units.

Measurements

Program includes a section on either standard or metric measurements or both.

Fractions

Numerical representations, such as ½ or ¾ that represents the quotient of two numbers.

Ratios and Percentages

A ratio is an indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions or the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more units. Percent is the amount a portion represents in 100th units. For example, 38 units in 50 units is 76% of the total (100%) number of units, in ratio terms 38:50.

Introductory Geometry

Geometry is often taught in the 8th grade, however basic geometry concepts should be mastered much earlier, many programs introduce basic geometry concepts such as angles, symmetry, area or volume.

Pre-Algebra

Algebra, usually taken in the 7th grade, or earlier, should be introduced before 7th grade. Pre-algebra gets kids accustomed to imagining unknown terms or solving complex equations.

Probability

The ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes or simply the chance that a given event will occur. For example, the odds of rolling a one with one dice is 1:6.

Help/Support

Inter-Program Help

It is helpful and convenient if a program includes assistance through a drop-down help menu, tutorials or other inter-program source.

User Manual

A user manual may come as a printed guide or inside the program; it explains installation, features and often include troubleshooting.

FAQs/Knowledgebase

Additional online resources can be helpful, such as FAQs that answer commonly asked questions or a searchable knowledgebase that provides information pertaining to technical issues or features.

Telephone Support

Some companies provide technical support through toll-free or paid telephone support.

Email Support

Most companies will provide an email address for technical support; we are a bit cautious of a manufacturer that does not provide at least this method of contact.

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