APLUSIX, A learning environment for algebra, actual use and benefits

After a presentation of the APLUSIX system, a learning environment for formal algebra, we describe the use of this system in a French class of grade 10, in particular a sequence devoted to factorisations and equations, and an analysis of the students' work during this sequence. This study exhibits the influence of the tools provided by the software on the construction of competences in algebra. We also report the opinion of a teacher who used the APLUSIX system during one year with this class