Math Success Reviewer's Comments

Fly through hundreds of intimidating algebra topics and acquire math confidence in no time with Math Success Deluxe . Our #2 choice covers all math subjects and receives our “TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award.”

This Topics Entertainment product includes the same algebra instruction as the other “Success” programs and as Math Advantage 2006. But, we placed this series utmost in the review because it covers math subjects ranging from addition through calculus and includes statistics and a bonus math achievement test. This eight CD–ROM set is the best collection that we could find that does not require internet access and will run with any Windows operating system, all the way back to 95.

Although this product covers over one hundred algebra topics and includes comprehensive tutorials, it places behind our #1 choice Microsoft Student. Microsoft Student not only covers every math topic, but teamed with Hotmath.com offers the foremost math homework helper available online.

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Teaching Tools:  

Math Success’s algebra tutorials include Pre–Algebra (49 topics), Algebra I (26 topics) and Algebra II (26 topics). The tutorials include text instruction along with corresponding visuals and sample problem solving as well as quizzes, exams and games.

Our most used section of this program is the reference section that includes an index, explanation of symbols and formulas. Through this section, you can quickly find formulas, which is convenient when doing homework. Most of the reference topics also include representational images.

Homework Help:  

This program is straightforward and well presented, yet Math Success is not the most efficient algebra homework helper. You can find formulas quickly, but there are few useful sample problems to help students with particular homework questions.

When we tried to get help with our sample homework problem, 5(2x-8) + 24 > 3(4+2x), we had to search through the “Inequalities and Intervals” section to get hints on how to solve the problem. Additionally, their link to Mathnet.com did not offer us any further help.

Topics Covered:  

This program covers all algebra concepts including everything from factoring, integers and graphing to matrices. It also offers some math history tidbits such as the history of number and set theory.

This eight CD–ROM set covers math basics like addition, subtraction, multiplication and addition as well as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics. (Like most programs it does not approach the complex topics of logic and reasoning.)

Up-to-Datedness:  

Math Success offers some interesting visuals, but cannot compare to Microsoft Student. Microsoft Student is the only educational program that continually updates and offers new content daily through MSN Encarta.

Ease of Use/Support:  

This product includes an interprogram help section and a helpful “quick tour.” Online they post FAQs and offer an email address for technical support. The Topics Entertainment support team answered our email question within a day.

Summary:  

Math Success Deluxe is the best algebra program we could find that does not require Internet access. It covers a broad range of subjects making it a fitting product for young students or adults who want to update their math skills for their undergraduate coursework.