Algebra Lab
Balance scales, graph lines and factor with tiles, one picture at a time.
Algebra Lab turns the ideas behind equations into things a student can see and move. Early rounds use a balanced scale with mystery boxes, and later rounds put lines, parabolas and algebra tiles on screen. The student reads a picture, chooses an answer or places a point, then finds out why it works.
It is built for grades 7 to 10, where the jump from arithmetic to algebra can feel abrupt. Each question is drawn from the same numbers as its answer, so the graph, the table and the equation always agree. A student who has wondered what a slope or a root really looks like gets plenty of practice seeing one.
What children practice
- Solve one and two step equations by balancing both sides
- Find slope and y-intercept from a graph and match y = mx + b
- Solve systems of equations by graphing, substitution and elimination
- Read inequalities and match them to graphs on a number line and a plane
- Multiply and factor polynomials using algebra tiles
- Find the roots, vertex and axis of symmetry of a parabola
Levels
- Balance and solve: 1 and 2 steps
- Plot and read lines: Slope, intercept
- Match the equation: y = mx + b
- Systems and inequalities: Two lines
- Polynomials with tiles: Factoring
- Parabolas: Roots, vertex
How it works
- Six levels run from balancing and solving up to parabolas, and each new level opens after five correct answers plus some practice time.
- Some questions are multiple choice, while others ask the student to tap points on a grid, nudge a line with buttons or build with tiles.
- A Show a hint button gives a nudge about how to think without giving the answer, and a wrong pick brings up a short note.
- Each prompt has a speaker button, so a student who prefers listening can hear the question read aloud.
Best for: A good fit for grades 7 to 10 when a student is meeting linear equations, systems or quadratics and needs to see the graph behind the symbols.
Tip for parents: If your student is stuck, ask them to describe the picture before choosing: where does the line cross the y axis, or which way does the curve open? Saying it out loud often reveals the next step.
Questions parents ask
Does Algebra Lab cover quadratics?
Yes, Level 6 is all about parabolas: finding roots, the vertex and the axis of symmetry, reading where the curve crosses the y axis, and matching a parabola to its equation. Level 5 prepares for it with algebra tiles and factoring.
Will using a hint hurt my child's progress?
Not at all. A hint is just a short nudge, such as counting rise over run, and it is never counted as a wrong answer. Right and wrong answers are saved to the child profile, but asking for help is always fine.
What does the very first level look like?
Level 1 shows a balanced scale with boxes marked x and loose blocks. The student takes the same amount off both sides and then shares what is left among the boxes, which mirrors the steps used when solving on paper.
Ready to try it?
Algebra Lab is free with a parent account. A parent adds a child profile, and the child's progress is saved.