Comparison

Dear Aunt Sally vs EigenAlpha

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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.

About

EigenAlpha

Features
Read full description

EigenAlpha: Linear Algebra Core Skills Training Unlock the visual and spatial power of Linear Algebra. EigenAlpha is an interactive learning console designed for university students, engineers, and machine learning enthusiasts who want to develop a deep, intuitive, and mathematical grasp of vector spaces, matrices, and linear mappings. Skip rote memorization. EigenAlpha combines structured curriculum progression with stunning visual diagnostics to help you bridge the gap between abstract equations and geometric transformations. KEY FEATURES: Structured Course Progression: Move step-by-step through core Linear Algebra units—from basis vector spans and matrix dimensions to QR decompositions, eigenvalues, and Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization. Macro Skill Diagnostics: View your real-time accuracy across 6 core mathematical domains, including Matrix Arithmetic, Algorithmic Reduction (Gaussian Elimination), Spectral Decomposition, and Invariant Inspection. Applied Crossover Case Studies: Explore how abstract matrix concepts drive state-of-the-art modern technologies. Follow step-by-step reasoning progressions for real-world scenarios, including Google PageRank spectral convergence. Conceptual Diagrams & Pitfalls: Review custom high-contrast visuals mapping out transformations and eigenvalues. Learn to bypass common pitfalls and exam tips carefully curated by math researchers. Reset & Restore Control: Maintain full command over your learning log. Reset diagnostic progress to re-test your accuracy, and easily restore premium license entitlements across all your iOS devices. Accessibility Integrated: Fully optimized for Dynamic Type font scaling and screen reader VoiceOver narration. WHO IS IT FOR? - STEM Undergrads: Excel in college-level Linear Algebra courses and diagnostic exams. - AI & Machine Learning Developers: Understand the vector transformations, dimension spaces, and spectral decomposition behind neural networks and PCA. - 3D Developers & Graphics Engineers: Master translation, rotation, and projection matrices.

Screenshots

Dear Aunt Sally4 screens
EigenAlpha4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dear Aunt Sally at none against EigenAlpha's 1. Dear Aunt Sally also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.2). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. EigenAlpha sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dear Aunt Sally asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Dear Aunt Sally versus EigenAlpha: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDear Aunt SallyEigenAlpha
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNeil RohanJT Scientific Consulting LLC

In-app purchases

None

Dear Aunt Sally

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

EigenAlpha

One-time1
  • Premium Unlock$12.99

Questions

Is Dear Aunt Sally free?
Dear Aunt Sally is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is EigenAlpha free?
EigenAlpha is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Dear Aunt Sally or EigenAlpha have ads?
Neither Dear Aunt Sally nor EigenAlpha shows ads.

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