# Hands-On Equations 3 iPad — Algebra for Kids-Negatives

> Algebraic equation solver for elementary and middle school students with negative numbers. (iPhone/iPad app by Hands On Equations.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-3-ipad/id541865643 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hands On Equations](https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225)
- Category: Education
- Price: $7.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 27 App Store ratings · 21 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 13 · 192 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-07-14
- Data updated: 2026-11-06
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-3-ipad/id541865643/reviews.md

## What is Hands?

"Great intro to Algebra!" 

This Hands-On Equations Level 3 app is intended for students who have already completed Level 1 and 2 of Hands-On Equations and who would like the challenge of more sophisticated equations involving negative numbers. 

In Level 3, the student solves equations such as 4x – (-4) = -8 and 3(-x) + 2 = -10 + x, which contain negative constants.  The green numbered cube, which represents the opposite of the red numbered cube, is introduced at this level.
 
Since the red and green number cubes are opposite of each other, their value is zero and may therefore be removed from, or added to, either side of the scale without affecting the balance. Students become fluent in adding and subtracting integers and understand that subtracting a value gives the same result as adding its opposite.

A video introduction is provided for each lesson. (See the sample YouTube video at http://youtu.be/VFYQ47EAqZw.) Each video introduction is followed by two examples and ten exercises. It is essential for the student to view the lesson video prior to attempting the examples and exercises for that lesson. 

Hands-On Equations is the ideal introduction to algebra for elementary and middle school students. Not only will students have fun and be fascinated with the program, their sense of self-esteem will be dramatically enhanced as they experience success with sophisticated algebraic equations. 

High school students struggling with algebra will likely experience success and understanding for the first time as they work with this app. 

More information on Hands-On Equations can be found at www.borenson.com and on YouTube.

## Key features

- Solves equations with negative numbers
- Introduces new game pieces for algebraic concepts
- Video introductions for each lesson
- Includes examples and exercises
- Enhances self-esteem through success

## Is Hands safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess Hands.

## Is Hands legit?

Hands-On Equations 3 iPad appears to be a legitimate app. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Hands is 90 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.

## Recent user reviews (10 of 21)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-3-ipad/id541865643/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Easy to learn

*2026-09-06*

I am a visual learner and find this easy to learn now that I am in middle school. The coloured blocks make it easy to visualise the equation and the pawns and stars help me distinguish the variables! Thank you for creating this app!

### 1/5 — Coolkid123

*2023-01-27*

I’m eight and I can do this make it harder

### 5/5 — I LOVE THIS GAME WITH EVERY BONE IN MY BODY

*2021-03-28*

So I’m 14 years old and unschooled and I’m going into high school after skipping every grade after 5th. I have identified myself with being a person who HATES math, because I was horrible at it. 
I would cry behind my math In 5th grade math class, because I had no idea what I was doing! I have adhd and generalized anxiety, so I was incredibly scared that once I went to high school I would be extremely behind in math. 
I tried everything, books websites, my parents tried to teach me!
	My dad showed me this game and after one lesson I already felt wayyyyyy more confident! 
After one month of doing this I’m already for algebra 2 in high school! 
After each lesson I end up laughing with my dad and more comfortable with myself and my intelligence. As a unschooler it is common to feel dumb and defeated in school smarts. 
I truly truly mean it when I say that this game changed my life!
What differs it from regular schools is that instead of telling you the rules and telling you to follow them, it teaches you WHY the rules are even THERE and then tells you to follow them!

I have ONE suggestion:
I would love it if after I finished all the lessons it would teach me how to do the problems without the props:) 
My dad can teach me how to do it but it would be more convenient if the app did it.

100% WOULD RECOMMEND

Thank you so much

**Developer response:** Thank you Ann. We are very pleased to hear that this app has enabled you to realize the potential you have within yourself to excel at mathematics. However, there is much more to Algebra 1 than what you find in this app. You may wish to consider getting the Hands-On Equations Verbal Problems Book so that you can apply your skills to word problems.  https://www.borenson.com/Products/Parent-Materials/Verbal-Problems-Book

### 3/5 — Meh

*2020-04-22*

Great app, good for learning, but one problem. When you try to type in your answer through the wheel with all of the numbers, the numbers don’t show up. You can’t see them.

### 1/5 — Videos don’t play

*2020-03-19*

The videos don’t play on this app like they do on the other 2 apps.

**Developer response:** The videos do not play at all, or they keep recycling not allowing you to get to the lesson. Which iPad do you have? Please respond to info@borenson.com. Thank you.

### 3/5 — At least it teaches!

*2019-03-07*

See, with hands on equations, I love it! It helps students learn, but they need to add the extra practice problems! Some students are forgetting about the importance of math! Math is what life is upheld by! So i can say, one little thing, can lead to a bigger thing. >:(

### 5/5 — Super app

*2014-03-28*

Excellent explanations given with very concrete methods to solve difficult equations. I love the visuals which allow me to "see" the problem. I hope to see many more apps available from hands on soon.  - fractions?

### 5/5 — Hands on Equations

*2014-02-14*

This is a great app! The lessons are easy to understand and the examples are easy to follow. My son and I have learned a lot without being frustrated in the process. This app is well worth the money.

### 5/5 — excellent app

*2014-01-26*

Well laid out and easy to navigate. Hope they do an app for Geometry soon.

### 5/5 — Fantastic!

*2013-05-10*

The first time I have ever been able to grasp these concepts. Very rewarding!

## Frequently asked questions about Hands

### What age is Hands-On Equations 3 suitable for?

Hands-On Equations 3 has an age rating of 4+ and is designed for elementary and middle school students, as well as high school students needing algebra support. It builds upon previous levels of the program.

### What kind of equations can I solve with Hands-On Equations 3?

This app allows users to solve more sophisticated equations involving negative numbers, such as 4x – (-4) = -8 and 3(-x) + 2 = -10 + x. It introduces the concept of the green numbered cube representing the opposite of the red numbered cube.

### Does Hands-On Equations 3 offer video tutorials?

Yes, Hands-On Equations 3 provides a video introduction for each lesson. It is recommended that students view these videos before attempting the accompanying examples and exercises.

### What devices does Hands-On Equations 3 support?

Currently, Hands-On Equations 3 is supported on iPads. The app was last updated on July 5, 2023, with version 3.4.8.

### How much does Hands-On Equations 3 cost?

Hands-On Equations 3 is a paid application priced at $4.99. It does not feature in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What is the user feedback on Hands-On Equations 3?

The app has a rating of 4.0 stars from 26 ratings, indicating generally positive user sentiment. Users have described it as a 'Great intro to Algebra!'.

### How often is Hands-On Equations 3 updated?

The latest version of Hands-On Equations 3, version 3.4.8, was released on July 5, 2023. The app was originally released on July 14, 2012.

### Can I learn algebra offline with Hands-On Equations 3?

As a paid application with video introductions and exercises, Hands-On Equations 3 is designed for individual learning and likely functions offline. Specific offline functionality details are not provided.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.4.9 — 2026-11-04

We have optimized our App Store presentation, including our title, subtitle, and search keywords, to make it easier for parents and educators to discover the app.

### 3.4.8 — 2023-07-05

Cartoons to encourage the user.

### 3.4.7 — 2021-11-27

- Implemented support for latest iOS version
- App enhancements & bugs fixes

### 3.4.6 — 2021-02-26

Bug fixes and enhancement

### 3.4.5 — 2020-04-25

Bug fixes and performance improvements with dark mode comparability

## Apps similar to Hands

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Partial Sums Addition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/partial-sums-addition/id351022022) | 5.0 (2) | $3.99 | Education |
| [Math Galaxy Word Problems Fun](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-galaxy-word-problems-fun/id524402778) | 4.7 (3) | $9.99 | Education |
| [Algebra Balance](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-balance/id908720476) | — | $1.99 | Education |
| [SAT Exam Prep 2025-2026](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sat-exam-prep-2025-2026/id1501682521) | 5.0 (1) | $1.99 | Education |
| [CareerTEC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/careertec/id1640136017) | — | Free | Education |
| [Solve Linear Equations 2 Vars](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solve-linear-equations-2-vars/id6505013927) | — | Free | Education |

## More apps by Hands On Equations

- [Algebra Fun - Kids Math](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-fun-kids-math/id505948222)
- [Math for Kids - Fun Learning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-for-kids-fun-learning/id505954972)
- [Algebra Fun 2 - Kids Math](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-fun-2-kids-math/id520038983)

All apps by Hands On Equations: https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-11-06.*