Comparison

Number Pieces, by MLC vs Math Run

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

Head to head
About

Number Pieces, by MLC

This app helps students grasp place value and computation with multi-digit numbers using interactive visual tools. Users can manipulate number pieces to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, fostering a deeper mathematical understanding.

Highlights
  • Manipulate ones, tens, and hundreds pieces
  • Regroup pieces (e.g., 10 ones to 1 ten)
  • Measure array dimensions with an edge piece
  • Use drawing and text tools for annotations
  • Zoom, scroll, and hide/reveal work
  • Share work via image save or share code
Features
Read full description

Number Pieces helps students develop a deeper understanding of place value while building their computation skills with multi-digit numbers. Students use the number pieces to represent multi-digit numbers, regroup, add, subtract, multiply, and divide. FEATURES • Add and manipulate pieces (ones, tens, and hundreds). • Change the starting set of pieces to a basic or an advanced set. • Join pieces in groups of ten or break them apart (e.g., 10 ones into 1 ten and vice versa). • Use the expanding edge piece like a measuring tape to show the dimensions of arrays created with the pieces. • Choose from three different colors to clearly identify groups or pieces. • Move, rotate, and duplicate pieces individually or as a group. • Use the drawing tools to label representations and show understanding. • Add equations, expressions, and descriptions with the math text and writing tools. • Zoom and scroll to work with larger collections of pieces. • Hide and reveal work with resizable covers to create your own problems and model strategies. • Share your work by saving an image or providing a share code to others. MORE APPS For more Number Pieces resources and other apps, visit: www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps LEARN MORE To learn about Bridges in Mathematics, an elementary curriculum that employs visual models like number pieces, visit: www.mathlearningcenter.org/bridges/overview ABOUT US This resource is brought to you by The Math Learning Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 education since 1976. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Number Pieces was made possible by a generous donation from Dr. David Moursund. 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

Math Run

An action-packed arithmetic game designed to improve math skills through engaging gameplay. Players run, dodge obstacles, and solve math problems aligned with US Common Core standards for Kindergarten to Grade 5. Earn rewards and unlock characters as you accelerate your learning.

Highlights
  • Arithmetic skill practice
  • Action-packed running gameplay
  • US Common Core aligned questions (K-5)
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
  • Unlockable characters and upgrades
  • Progress tracking and results
  • Daily rewards and bonus items
Read full description

Need a fun way to get more math practice? Boost your math skills with this action-packed arithmetic game! Accelerate learning as you test your speed and wit by running, avoiding obstacles, and solving math problems in this action-packed edutainment app! Questions are aligned to the US Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Kindergarten to Grade 5. Math Run is a fun action-packed reflex game that trains at various levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Great for children or adults! Earn rewards when you answer arithmetic questions correctly. Math Run includes five playable characters, one for each type of math questions posed during the game. Detailed educational information for parents and educators: http://www.babycortex.com/math-run/‎ Help our cute animals escape with fast reflexes and the power of mathematics! Features: - Ideal for children and adults who want to accelerate their arithmetic skills, perfect for elementary and primary school math practice - Fast-paced reflex building running gameplay - Math questions complement Kindergarten through Grade 5 mathematics curricula - Speed through 8 stunning locations from all 7 continents - Play as the cute Baby Panda for basic math skills - Unlock 4 cute characters, each with its own math specialty - Gear up with upgradeable equipment that will help you survive longer - Track progress with comprehensive results of math stats and learn from missed questions - Play daily for a chance to win bonus items - Unlock more missions to receive bonus rewards **Please note that, while this app is free, it contains optional paid content. You can disable in-app purchases by adjusting your device's settings. **

Screenshots

Math Run4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Number Pieces, by MLC at none against Math Run's 7. Number Pieces, by MLC also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 60%). Math Run's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (180 vs 22). On price, rating and ads 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. Math Run sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Number Pieces, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Number Pieces, by MLC holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Run has 180 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Number Pieces, by MLC's written reviews are positive against 60% of Math Run's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Number Pieces, by MLC ships an update every 9 months, Math Run every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Number Pieces, by MLC versus Math Run: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNumber Pieces, by MLCMath Run
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (22 ratings) — better3.7 (180 ratings)
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews — better60.0% of reviews
Number of ratings22180 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS14.77.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB195 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Math Learning CenterBaby Cortex Holdings Limited

Customer experience

Number Pieces, by MLC

All ratings19 ratings
Positive78.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative21.1%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%

Math Run

All ratings172 ratings
Positive67.4%
Neutral3.5%
Negative29.1%
Written reviews80 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative33.8%

Bugs and requests

Number Pieces, by MLC

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Math Run

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • Jump not working
  • Crashing into screen when trying to move left
  • Red things are distracting and obstruct view
  • In-app purchases not unlocking
  • App kicks user off
Show 10 more
  • Game not working
  • Cannot turn left and right
  • Giant panda keeps eating player
  • Paid for multiplication package but won't load
  • Purchased character not received
  • Game is rigged
  • Does not give time after pause
  • Makes player die when they did not die
  • App is useless and kicks user off
  • Game is not working

Requested features

11 requests
  • Fix in-app purchase issues
  • Make harder math levels free or unlockable with coins
  • Add more levels or characters
  • Allow control over math problem timing
  • Add more lives
Show 6 more
  • Make it easier to earn coins
  • Add a difficulty setting
  • Allow players to join each other
  • Remove math problems from the game
  • Option to choose difficulty
  • More characters

In-app purchases

None

Number Pieces, by MLC

No in-app purchases

7 purchases

Math Run

One-time7
  • 30000 coins$1.99
  • Addition Package$2.99
  • Subtraction Package$2.99
Show 4 more
  • Multiplication Package$2.99
  • Division Package$2.99
  • 90000 coins$4.99
  • Full Package$5.99

Questions

Is Number Pieces, by MLC free?
Number Pieces, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Math Run free?
Math Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Number Pieces, by MLC or Math Run?
Number Pieces, by MLC is rated higher. Number Pieces, by MLC averages 3.9 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while Math Run averages 3.7 from 180 ratings.
Do Number Pieces, by MLC or Math Run have ads?
Neither Number Pieces, by MLC nor Math Run shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Number Pieces, by MLC or Math Run?
Number Pieces, by MLC ships an update every 9 months, and Math Run every 4 weeks. Most recently, Number Pieces, by MLC was updated on October 23, 2026 and Math Run on October 22, 2026.

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