Dear Aunt Sally vs PixelMath
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Dear Aunt Sally
This app teaches the order of operations (PEMDAS) using interactive modes. It helps students and programmers understand mathematical expression solving step-by-step, with a quiz feature for practice.
- Step-by-step expression analysis
- Shunt Yard algorithm explanation
- SOLVE mode for freehand entry
- QUIZ mode with random expression generation
- Stack/Queue dynamics visualization
- Customizable quiz parameters
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PEMDAS is an acronym that is taught in school classrooms across the nation. It helps students remember the priority, or Order of Operations, used to solve expressions involving strings of numbers and operators. It stands for: P(arenthesis) E(xponent) M(ultiplication) D(ivision) A(ddition) S(ubtraction) A familiar mnemonic widely used in place of PEMDAS is: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. Thus the name of this application... Kind of an inside joke for the mathematical types. Computers, including smart phone calculators, desktops, etc. have built in functionality to properly interpret such expressions so we don't have to. But have you ever wondered what algorithms the CPU executes to get the right answer every time? This app demonstrates one such algorithm called the Shunt Yard, developed a few years back by Professor Edsger W. Dijkstra. We’re going to take a closer look under the hood at Order of Operations algorithms. It will interest programmers and school students alike; for programmers, the use of queues and stacks will reinforce previous computer science learning; for students, it allows them to write an expression, then analyze it using Order of Operations rules, step by step. The Quiz mode generates random expressions of user selected lengths and magnitudes and checks the student's answer. Incorrect answers can be examined using the same step by step process. In the SOLVE mode, algebraic expressions are entered free hand using an internal keyboard which limits entries to the five common mathematical operators (+ - / * ^) as well as one level of parenthesis. There is a maximum term limit of ten variables, but no limit to their magnitude in this mode. In the QUIZ mode, between two and ten variables can be selected, their maximum value and which operators that are eligible. The program then randomly generates an algebraic expression using these parameters. Both modes make available an analysis page which is used to step through the solution. Stack/Queue dynamics are displayed.
PixelMath
Master the Digital SAT Math section with targeted practice, clear solutions, and guided examples. Focus on specific skills, recognize patterns, and learn efficient problem-solving techniques. Practice algebra, advanced math, data analysis, and geometry.
- Topic-based practice
- Concise step-by-step solutions
- Guided similar examples
- Instant feedback
- Offline practice
- Built-in drawing pad on iPad
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Build confidence for the Digital SAT® Math section with focused practice, concise solutions, and guided examples that help you understand each problem-solving method. PixelMath organizes practice by skill, making it easy to focus on specific topics, recognize common question patterns, and learn efficient ways to solve problems. PRACTICE THE FOUR MATH DOMAINS • Algebra • Advanced Math • Problem-Solving and Data Analysis • Geometry and Trigonometry FEATURES • Topic-Based Practice Work on linear equations, functions, quadratics, percentages, statistics, circles, triangles, volume, trigonometry, and more. • Concise Step-by-Step Solutions Review clear solutions designed to show an efficient path from the question to the answer. • Guided Similar Examples When you need help, open a related example with a complete solution and apply the same method to the original problem. • Instant Feedback Check your answer and review the reasoning behind the solution. • Built-In Drawing Pad on iPad Write calculations and sketch diagrams directly on the screen while solving problems. • Offline Practice Downloaded practice content works without an internet connection. An internet connection is required for purchases and restoring access. TRY BEFORE UNLOCKING Try the first question in every exercise. A one-time in-app purchase unlocks questions 2–10 across all exercises. PixelMath uses independently created practice questions designed around the skills assessed in the Digital SAT® Math section. It does not reproduce official exam questions. SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this app.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dear Aunt Sally at none against PixelMath's 1. Dear Aunt Sally also leads on ratings volume (3 vs 1). PixelMath's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. PixelMath sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dear Aunt Sally asks for nothing beyond the download.
PixelMath holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.
Dear Aunt Sally ships an update every 2 months, PixelMath monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Dear Aunt Sally | PixelMath |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 14 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Neil Rohan | Kokoapps, LLC |
Customer experience
Dear Aunt Sally
PixelMath
In-app purchases
Dear Aunt Sally
No in-app purchases
PixelMath
- Unlock All Exercises$0.99
Questions
Is Dear Aunt Sally free?
Is PixelMath free?
Which has better reviews, Dear Aunt Sally or PixelMath?
Do Dear Aunt Sally or PixelMath have ads?
Which is updated more often, Dear Aunt Sally or PixelMath?
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