Arrays are orderly arrangements of objects in rows and columns that help us understand multiplication. Each row has the same number of objects, and each column has the same number of objects.
Arrays help us see multiplication as equal groups organized in rows and columns. This visual model makes multiplication easier to understand.
To read an array, we count the number of rows and the number of objects in each row. We say: "number of rows" times "number in each row."
Rows go across (left to right), and columns go up and down. In multiplication with arrays, we usually count rows first, then objects in each row.
A multiplication sentence for an array shows the relationship between the number of rows, the number in each row, and the total number of objects.
The multiplication sign (×) means "groups of" or "rows of" when working with arrays. The equal sign (=) shows that both sides have the same value.
Arrays can be read in two different ways because multiplication follows the commutative property. Turning an array sideways gives us a different multiplication sentence with the same total.
The commutative property means that changing the order of the factors does not change the product. Both multiplication sentences are correct for the same array.
To find the total number of objects in an array, multiply the number of rows by the number of objects in each row. You can count by equal groups or use repeated addition to check your answer.
Multiplication is a faster way to do repeated addition. If you're unsure about a multiplication fact, you can always add equal groups to find the total.
Arrays appear in many everyday situations. Recognizing these patterns helps us use multiplication to solve real problems quickly.
When you see objects arranged in equal rows and columns, you're looking at an array. This pattern helps us use multiplication in daily life.