Guided Practice with Arrays
Learn
In this lesson, you will practice building arrays and using them to solve multiplication problems. We will work through problems together step by step.
Review: What is an Array?
An array is a way to arrange objects in equal rows and columns. Arrays help us see multiplication as groups of equal amounts.
Steps to Solve Array Problems
- Count the rows - How many rows do you see?
- Count items in one row - How many objects are in each row?
- Write the multiplication - rows x items per row = total
- Use repeated addition to check - Add the same number for each row
Example: Cookie Array
O O O O
O O O O
O O O O
Step 1: Count rows = 3 rows
Step 2: Count items per row = 4 cookies
Step 3: Write multiplication: 3 x 4 = ?
Step 4: Check with addition: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
Answer: 3 x 4 = 12 cookies
Worked Examples
Example 1: Stars in Rows
* * * * *
* * * * *
How many rows? 2 rows
How many stars in each row? 5 stars
Multiplication sentence: 2 x 5 = 10
Check: 5 + 5 = 10
Example 2: Apples in a Basket
@ @ @
@ @ @
@ @ @
@ @ @
How many rows? 4 rows
How many apples in each row? 3 apples
Multiplication sentence: 4 x 3 = 12
Check: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
Example 3: Building an Array from Words
"Draw an array with 3 rows and 6 squares in each row."
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Multiplication sentence: 3 x 6 = 18
Check: 6 + 6 + 6 = 18 squares total
Practice Problems
Try these problems. Write the multiplication sentence and find the total.
Problem 1
# # # #
# # # #
# # # #
Rows: ___ Items per row: ___ Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 2
O O O O O
O O O O O
O O O O O
O O O O O
Rows: ___ Items per row: ___ Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 3
Draw an array with 2 rows and 7 items in each row. Then write the multiplication sentence.
Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 4
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
Rows: ___ Items per row: ___ Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 5
Draw an array with 5 rows and 4 items in each row. Then write the multiplication sentence.
Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 6
@ @ @ @ @ @
@ @ @ @ @ @
Rows: ___ Items per row: ___ Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 7
Make an array that shows 3 x 5. How many items total?
Total: ___
Problem 8
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Rows: ___ Items per row: ___ Multiplication: ___ x ___ = ___
Problem 9
Which array shows 4 x 3? Circle the correct one.
A) 4 rows with 3 in each row
B) 3 rows with 4 in each row
C) Both show 4 x 3
Problem 10
Sam says 2 x 8 = 16 and 8 x 2 = 16. Is Sam correct? Draw two arrays to show your answer.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you have learned.
- What are the two things you count in an array? (rows and ___)
- If an array has 5 rows with 3 items each, what multiplication sentence does it show?
- How can you use addition to check your multiplication answer?
- True or False: 4 x 2 and 2 x 4 give the same total.
Click to see answers
- Rows and items per row (or columns)
- 5 x 3 = 15
- Add the same number for each row (repeated addition)
- True - both equal 8
Next Steps
- Practice drawing arrays for different multiplication facts
- Try finding arrays in real life (egg cartons, muffin tins, windows)
- Move on to the next lesson: Word Problems with Arrays