You certainly get a lot for your money with this algebra training package, with no less than eleven separate programs on the disc. They fall into two main groups: those concerned with solution of algebraic equations, and those designed to train the construction and interpretation of graphs.

The first group are mostly written on black and white Mode 4 screens with effective use of user defined graphic characters to illustrate mathematical symbols such as square root signs and elongated square brackets. The programs cover rearrangement of equations and solution of simultaneous equations by elimination and substitution methods. In addition, three programs are devoted to quadratic equations, dealings with solutions by factorisation, the quadratic equation formula and graph drawing (the only program in this group using graphics and colour).

These programs give instruction, worked examples and problems set to be solved before the program shows the answer. All proofs are well laid out with each step displayed and explained in response to successive keypresses. The most impressive feature is that the examples are generated randomly - with considerable structural variation - so giving the user an effectively unlimited set of examples. This is one way in which the program scores over use of a textbook. The others are the use of interactive methods and attractive displays.

The graphs sequence includes an instruction program followed by three programs of increasing difficulty which range from simple straight line graphs to the use of curve plotting to discover gradients etc. The graphic illustration of problems is impressive, making use of colour, split text/graphic screens etc, and random generation of unlimited examples is again featured.

Some minor niggles - the Escape key is not trapped which always seems rather unprofessional to me; I did find one bug - a "no such variable" crash on one random example - and I would prefer each program to have a return to main menu option (you have to re-boot to get another program). However, generally this is an excellent package which covers a wide range of content and difficulty levels, and should prove of genuine value for mathematics pupils for use at school or at home.