Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Helpful for quick math answers; carries risk of cheating.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
6284 Calc
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
First, find the subject area on 6284 CALC's main screen -- Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Daily Life -- and tap it. Then tap the subtopic you need with that subject area. Enter the values in your equation or problem, and tap "Generate Answer." Tap "Buy Show Steps" to show the steps to any problem for $1.99.
Is It Any Good?
Many high school students will love this app because it can be handy for checking answers on homework and finding quick answers in a pinch, but it can also be a tool for cheating. If kids don't enter the information correctly or if they don't understand the concepts in the equations, 6284 Calc may become little more than the modern-day version of a cheat sheet. For it to be most useful, students would need to buy the "Show Steps" option so they can actually see the process to get to the right answer. The Daily Life Math section seems like it could be the most helpful for quick math answers and least likely used as a cheat sheet, so that's a good place for teens to start. If your kid is supposed to memorize formulas for math class, this is likely not a great app, since the whole point is to have the formulas embedded in the app. Still, for kids who really struggle and who don't have a one-on-one tutor, this might be an OK shortcut with supervision.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to use 6284 Calc wisely. If your teacher asks you to memorize formulas, why is it not academically ethical to use this app as a replacement for doing the work he or she asked you to do? Discuss some ethical ways to use this app, including suggesting that your tween or teen talk to their math teacher about how he or she would agree to its use.
Talk about ways that the Daily Life Math section can be useful in everyday life. In what situations do you need to come up with a percentage quickly (tipping, sales in stores)?
Use this app's compounding-interest calculator to give your tween or teen a visual lesson in the power of saving.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects: Math : algebra, calculus, fractions, functions, geometry
- Pricing structure: Free (with optional in-app purchases)
- Release date: October 14, 2016
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Amit Kalra
- Version: 1.0.3
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9 or later
- Last updated: November 29, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
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