# Hands-On Equations Level 1 — Algebra for kids Ages 8 & Up

> Interactive app for children to learn introductory algebra concepts visually. (iPhone/iPad app by Hands On Equations.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hands On Equations](https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225)
- Category: Education, Games, Puzzle
- Price: $5.99
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 102 App Store ratings · 102 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12 · 570 MB
- Languages: American English, Canadian French, Hebrew, Brazilian Portuguese, Mexican Spanish
- Released: 2012-03-05
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222/reviews.md

## What is Hands?

Hands-On Equations is the fun way to learn algebra for kids age 8 and up.

1. Imagine your child CONFIDENTIALLY solving algebra equations after just three lessons!

Using blue pawns, numbered cubes, and a visual balance model, students quickly discover that algebra can be clear, intuitive, and enjoyable. Instead of memorizing rules, they develop a genuine understanding of the mathematical concepts they are learning.  The Hands-On Equations math app transforms algebra into an engaging math learning experience.

Along the way, they experience the excitement and satisfaction of solving equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 in just three lessons, and equations such as 2(2x + 1) = 3x + 10 in just six lessons. These equations are typically not introduced to students until middle school. Yet, your child, age 8 and up, can experience success and joy in solving these algebra equations!

These equations are typically not introduced to students until middle school. Yet, your child, age 8 and up, can experience success and joy in solving these algebra equations!
________________________________________
2. Why children love Hands-On Equations
Every lesson builds on previous success through carefully sequenced activities that make abstract algebra visual and easy to understand. Students don't simply learn procedures—they understand why each step works. 

The elegant instructional design and intuitive app experience make learning algebra both rapid and enjoyable. Students find that this visual learning enables them to solve algebra equations in a few short lessons. 

Students love the ease with which they can manipulate the blue pawns and numbered cubes, sliding them on and off the balance scale as they solve increasingly challenging equations. The app's elegant simplicity creates a pleasant, intuitive, and highly satisfying learning experience. ________________________________________
3. What Students Learn in the Hands-On Equations Level 1 App
Throughout the six carefully sequenced lessons and one review lesson, students learn:
• the meaning of equivalence
• algebraic notation
• how to check solutions
• legal moves with pawns and cubes
• equations involving subtraction
• equations involving parentheses
• confidence that lasts long after the lessons are completed
________________________________________
4. Proven Success
More than one million students have experienced success with the Hands-On Equations Learning System. Originally developed using physical game pieces and classroom instruction, this proven educational approach is now available in an app that makes learning algebra both intuitive and enjoyable. 
________________________________________
5. Who Should Use It?
•	Gifted children age 6+
•	Elementary students ages 8 and above 
•	Middle school students 
•	Struggling high school students 
•	Adults who never really understood algebra 
________________________________________
6. Give Your Child the Confidence to Succeed
Whether your child is discovering algebra for the first time or you are finally returning to a subject that once seemed impossible, Hands-On Equations will give your child a memorable, enjoyable, and confidence-building experience with algebra.
________________________________________
7. Questions or Support?
Email: info@borenson.com
Visit: www.borenson.com

## Key features

- Interactive digital manipulatives
- Expert instructional videos
- Step-by-step equation solving
- Visual balance scale representation
- Practice and lesson exercises
- Multiple user support
- Equation checking feature

## What do users think of Hands?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎓 Effective hands-on visual learning method for algebra concepts
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🎯 Clear, well-paced progression through lessons
- 💡 Innovative balance scale approach makes abstract concepts concrete
- 🎬 Helpful instructional video tutorials included
- 😊 Makes algebra fun and engaging for all ages
- ⭐ Builds confidence in struggling math learners
- 🔄 Self-paced learning allows individual progress
- ✅ Auto-check feature helps identify errors quickly
- 💰 Affordable pricing compared to other educational apps
- 🎮 Gamified approach without distracting elements
- 👨‍🏫 Calm, clear teaching style from instructor

**Cons**

- 🎬 Video playback issues (no sound or won't play)
- 🐛 App crashes on certain iOS versions
- 📺 Poor video quality in some lessons
- 🎨 UI glitch with pieces displaying below scale
- ⏱️ Limited content - lessons complete too quickly
- 🔄 Video loops preventing progress to exercises
- 🎯 Requires watching videos to progress (not optional)
- 🔐 Security concerns reported by some users
- 👤 Generic male icon doesn't represent all users
- ⚙️ Number wheel difficult to control precisely

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Video audio not working despite system audio functioning
- Videos won't play or load
- App crashes on iOS 9 and later versions
- App crashes when entering answers
- Video lesson loops infinitely blocking progress
- UI elements (pieces) display in wrong location
- Number wheel difficult to control and stop on correct value
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Interface not intuitive for answer entry

**Most requested features**

- More advanced levels and lessons beyond current content
- Text-based teaching materials as alternative to videos
- Ability to input custom equations
- Audio sound effects for user interactions
- Scales that visually move to show equation imbalance
- Continuation app for more complex algebra
- Diverse user profile icons
- Faster auto-check functionality
- Offline functionality
- Support for additional math subjects

## Recent user reviews (10 of 102)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Yay

*2026-06-04, version 4.2.8*

Good app

### 5/5 — My kid actually gets algebra now

*2026-04-29*

I bought this for my daughter and honestly didn’t expect much — most math apps are just dressed-up flashcards. This one is different. She’s moving little pawns around a balance scale and solving real equations without even realizing that’s what she’s doing. When I told her “you just did algebra,” her face lit up.
The lessons go at a good pace and build on each other, so she never feels lost or bored. No flashy distractions, no annoying characters, just a clear method that works. She actually asks to do the next lesson, which has never happened with any other math app in our house.
If your kid is curious about math or struggling with it, give this a try. Worth every penny.

### 5/5 — The Best Tool

*2025-10-03*

I really love your app and cannot wait to try it again for some reasons. The first reason is that the playing pieces that can be moved help me visualize the problem better. Second, the videos guide you through how to do the math. Third, the funny cartoons make me more engaged in the lesson. To conclude, your apps are great and taking away my algebra fear.

### 5/5 — Algebra made easy

*2024-09-06*

After 50 yrs I’m finally understanding algebra thanks to this wonderfully created hands on app. When I took algebra in college I would have continued taking other harder maths if I could comprehend it like I do using this app. Kudos to the developer!

### 5/5 — Love this app

*2023-10-26, version 4.2.2a*

Where was this when I was in high school?! I’m 42 and relearning math. This is a great way to solve for x.

EDIT 10/26/23: I can’t believe x is just a pawn in this game. (Bad pun intended)

### 5/5 — Dr. Borenson is a genius

*2022-08-13, version 4.2.2*

Great app

### 2/5 — No Sound on Videos

*2022-01-31*

This is the only app I have where the sound on the videos does not work. I have tried everything but the sound will not come through this app. If I can’t hear what they are saying in the video, it’s not as useful. Again, every other app I own has sound that comes through just fine. It is just this one that sound does not work.

**Developer response:** Please write to us at info@borenson.com so we can show you how to resolve the situation.  In short, the Ringer switch that is next to the Volume bar needs to be flicked. Thank you.

### 5/5 — It Was Fun!!!

*2021-02-28*

This is great game to learn basic algebraic equations for me as a 6th Grader. I enjoyed the set up and was able to get through the lessons all on my first day. I can’t wait to try the hands on equations app 2!

### 1/5 — Video won’t play

*2020-10-07, version 4.0.4*

I downloaded the app, but the video lesson won’t play.

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2020-05-27*

Really good

## Frequently asked questions about Hands

### What is Hands-On Equations 1?

Hands-On Equations 1 is a mobile application designed to teach introductory algebra concepts to children aged 8 and up. It uses a visual and interactive approach with digital game pieces and instructional videos to make learning equations engaging and accessible.

### How does the app teach algebra?

The app uses a proven method involving physical game pieces, now digitized, to represent algebraic equations. Users learn by visually manipulating these pieces on a digital balance scale, guided by expert instructional videos and step-by-step exercises that cover various equation types.

### What age group is this app for?

This app is specifically designed for children aged 8 and up. It serves as an ideal first introduction to algebra for elementary school students, helping them build confidence and understanding of mathematical concepts.

### What kind of equations can I solve with this app?

The app guides users through solving a variety of introductory algebraic equations. This includes equations like 4x+2=3x+9, equations involving subtraction such as 5x – 3x + 2 = x + 5, and equations with parentheses like 2(2x + 1) = 3x + 12.

### Is this app free?

Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. It does not contain in-app purchases or advertisements, offering a focused learning experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.2.9 — 2026-08-21

New app description; new About Us page; edits in the feedback pop ups.

### 4.2.8 — 2026-05-16

App enhancement and general UI fixes.

### 4.2.7 — 2026-05-14

General UI fixes and App enhancements.

### 4.2.6 — 2026-01-02

New title, sub title and home; varied congratulation popups.

### 4.2.4 — 2025-03-29

Minor description changes.

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## More apps by Hands On Equations

- [Math for Kids - Fun Learning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-for-kids-fun-learning/id505954972)
- [Hands-On Equations Level 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-2/id520038983)
- [Hands-On Equations 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-3/id541865643)

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

## Related topics

[math for kids equations](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/math-for-kids-equations) · [hands on equations](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hands-on-equations) · [the equations game](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/the-equations-game) · [algebra game with equations](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/algebra-game-with-equations)

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*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 2026-08-29.*