Division arrays are organized, equal rows of objects that help us see division as fair sharing or repeated subtraction.
An array is always rectangular. The total number of objects is called the dividend, and the number of rows is the divisor.
To write a division sentence, first count the total number of objects. Then, decide if you are dividing by the number of equal rows or the number of equal columns. The sentence shows how the total is shared into equal groups.
You can write a division sentence for the rows OR the columns. Always check your answer by multiplying the divisor and the quotient. They should equal the dividend: 4 columns × 2 in each = 8 total.
The quotient is the answer to a division problem. In an array, it tells how many objects are in each equal row or column.
The quotient will never be larger than the dividend. If you are dividing a number up to 50, your quotient will be 50 or less.
Arrays can be read by rows (horizontal groups) or by columns (vertical groups). Both ways lead to correct division sentences.
Whether you use rows or columns depends on the problem. Always identify what the equal groups are meant to be.
We use array division to solve problems about arranging items into equal groups, like placing chairs in rows or sharing supplies.
In word problems, the total amount is the dividend. The number of groups you are making is the divisor.