How to multiply and divide using an array

What is an array?

An array is made when items are arranged in rows and columns.

This array has 12 counters.

Every row in an array is the same length and every column in an array is the same length.

This array has 4 columns of the same length and 3 rows of the same length.

Arrays can help you to multiply and divide numbers.

They can also help you to see the link between multiplication and division.

Activity: Multiplying and dividing using an array

Complete this interactive activity to understand how to multiply or divide using an array. Then put your knowledge to the test.

Multiplication with an array

Arrays can help you solve multiplication problems.

For example, you can arrange 10 counters into an array like this:

This array has 2 rows. There are 5 counters in each row

Rows go from side to side or horizontally.

This array also has 5 columns. There are 2 counters in each column.

Columns go up and down or vertically.

This array shows that 2 rows of 5 counters equals 10 counters in total.

You can write this as a multiplication sentence like this.

2 × 5 = 10

Or you can also say 5 columns of 2 counters equals 10 counters in total.

You can write this as a multiplication sentence like this:

5 × 2 = 10

Division using an array

Arrays can also help with division problems.

If you have 10 counters and divide them into 2 groups, there will be 5 counters in each group.

So, 10 divided by 2 equals 5.

10 ÷ 2 = 5

You can also use an array to divide 10 counters into 5 groups, with 2 counters in each group.

So, 10 divided by 5 equals 2.

10 ÷ 5 = 2