Comparison

Fractions, by MLC vs First Categories

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Fractions, by MLC

This app helps students visualize, compare, and perform operations with fractions using interactive bar or circle models. It allows for detailed representation of fractions with customizable denominators and parts, aiding in understanding mathematical concepts.

Highlights
  • Interactive bar and circle fraction models
  • Customizable denominators (1-100)
  • Fraction comparison and equivalence
  • Add, subtract, multiply, divide fractions
  • Explore fractions, percents, and decimals
  • Annotation and drawing tools
  • Save and share work
Features
Read full description

Fractions lets students use a bar or circle to represent, compare, and perform operations with fractions with denominators from 1 to 100. Choose the fraction model and number of equal parts. Use a color to select specific parts to show a fraction of the whole. Reveal or hide numeric labels as needed. Superimpose fractions upon each other to compare fractions or see equal parts. FEATURES • Use a bar or circle as the whole. • Divide each whole into anywhere from 1 to 100 equal parts. • Compare fractions and represent equivalent fractions. • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with fractions. • Explore the relationship between fractions, percents, and decimals. • Select the size of the whole and the number of equal parts. • Hide and reveal fraction labels. • Hide and reveal work with resizable covers to create your own problems and model strategies. • Use the drawing tools to annotate work and show understanding. • Add equations, expressions, and descriptions with the math text and writing tools. • Share your work by saving an image or providing a share code to others. ABOUT US This resource is brought to you by The Math Learning Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 education since 1976. Our mission is to inspire and enable individuals to discover and develop their mathematical confidence and ability. www.mathlearningcenter.org This app was crafted by Clarity Innovations. We help improve teaching and learning by creating solutions that match promising technologies with the needs of education. Visit us: www.clarity-innovations.com

About

First Categories

Features
Read full description

The Point To Pictures, & Scan To Pictures (for switch(es)), series are specifically designed to help those that need help understanding the art of communication, or the value/function of an AAC app/system. They are based on the premise that those learners falling in this range need comprehensive work on basic understanding, or, at least, practice in implementing such understanding. First Categories allows simple Branching between simple communication boards.

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Fractions, by MLC at Free against First Categories's $1.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Fractions, by MLC is free to download; First Categories costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fractions, by MLC ships an update every 18 months, First Categories every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Fractions, by MLC versus First Categories: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFractions, by MLCFirst Categories
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating3.8 (23 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews53.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings23 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 18 monthsEvery 15 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS15.4 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB36 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Math Learning CenterRJ Cooper & Associates, Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Fractions, by MLC

No in-app purchases

None

First Categories

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Fractions, by MLC free?
Fractions, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is First Categories free?
First Categories costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Fractions, by MLC or First Categories have ads?
Neither Fractions, by MLC nor First Categories shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fractions, by MLC or First Categories?
Fractions, by MLC ships an update every 18 months, and First Categories every 15 months. Most recently, Fractions, by MLC was updated on November 2, 2026 and First Categories on October 3, 2026.

Other comparisons