An array is things arranged in neat rows and columns so they are quick to count. Every row has the same number of dots, and every column has the same number too. Instead of counting one dot at a time, you can count the rows and multiply.
To read an array: count the rows, then count how many dots are in one row. The multiplication sentence is: number of rows × number in each row = total.
This array has 3 rows, with 4 dots in each row.
3 × 4
Count by 4s: 4, 8, 12
3 × 4 = 12
Now picture turning that array on its side. It would show 4 rows of 3 dots instead of 3 rows of 4 dots, but the total number of dots has not changed, it is still 12. This means 3 × 4 = 4 × 3. You can multiply two numbers in either order and always get the same answer. If a fact feels hard one way round, try flipping the order instead.
Look at each array. Count the rows and the dots in each row, then write the multiplication sentence and the total.
× =
× =
× =
× =
× =
Draw a dot array to match each multiplication fact. Use neat rows and columns, then write the total.
4 × 4 =
3 × 5 =
3 × 6 =
10 × 2 =
4 × 3 =
An equal group is a group of things where every group has the same number in it. Multiplication is a fast way to find the total of several equal groups: number of groups × number in each group = total.
An array is really just equal groups arranged neatly in rows, where each row is one group. Equal groups pictures can be read the very same way.
4 plates of strawberries, with 5 strawberries on each plate: that is 4 groups of 5.
4 × 5
Skip count by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20
4 × 5 = 20
In a word problem, the first number usually tells you how many groups there are, and the second number tells you how many are in each group. Multiplication can be done in either order, so you will still reach the same total even if you swap the numbers, but it helps to write the sentence in the order the problem describes.
Each array below shows equal groups. Write how many groups, how many in each group, and the multiplication sentence. Then answer the last question.
groups of =
groups of =
groups of =
groups of =
Molly says that 6 groups of 4 gives the same total as 4 groups of 6. Is she correct?
Read each problem, write a multiplication sentence, and solve it. Show your working on the lines.
A theatre has 6 rows of seats, with 5 seats in each row. How many seats are there altogether?
Mr Nguyen plants his vegetable garden in 4 rows, with 10 seedlings in each row. How many seedlings does he plant?
At assembly, students stand in 3 rows of 8. Two more rows of 8 students then join them. How many students are standing altogether now?
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