# Number Line, by MLC vs Area Model

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Number Line, by MLC at 67% against Area Model's 0%. Number Line, by MLC also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Area Model's advantage is iOS requirement (6.0 vs 16.1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Area Model sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Number Line, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

Number Line, by MLC holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Number Line, by MLC has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Number Line, by MLC's written reviews are positive against 0% of Area Model's.

Number Line, by MLC ships an update every 13 months, Area Model every 18 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Number Line, by MLC | Area Model |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-line-by-mlc/id751816884/reviews)** | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/area-model-learn-multiplication-and-division/id883886421/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 13 months** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **6.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) | [Bytes Arithmetic LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/700977509) |

## What reviewers say

### Number Line, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-line-by-mlc/id751816884)

This app allows students to visualize number sequences and demonstrate mathematical strategies. It supports various number types and offers tools for annotation, problem-solving, and sharing work. Ideal for elementary classrooms and iPad learning environments.

**Highlights:** Visualize number sequences, Demonstrate counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, Use whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or negative numbers, Add custom tick marks and labels, Hide and reveal numbers and jumps, Annotation and drawing tools, Save and share work

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Area Model

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/area-model-learn-multiplication-and-division/id883886421)

This educational app helps elementary students master multiplication and division using a visual area model approach. It features interactive tools like Base Ten manipulatives and a drawing pad, aligning with common core standards. Students can personalize their learning with animal icons and bright colors.

**Highlights:** Common Core aligned lessons, Base Ten manipulatives, Guided tutorial, Create custom problems, Drawing pad for equations, Animal character icons

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Practice Mode | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Number Line, by MLC free?

Number Line, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Area Model free?

Area Model is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Number Line, by MLC or Area Model?

Number Line, by MLC is rated higher. Number Line, by MLC averages 4.4 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Area Model averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Number Line, by MLC or Area Model have ads?

Neither Number Line, by MLC nor Area Model shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Number Line, by MLC or Area Model?

Number Line, by MLC ships an update every 13 months, and Area Model every 18 months. Most recently, Number Line, by MLC was updated on November 6, 2026 and Area Model on November 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*