Examples of Multiplication Arrays

Are you starting to teach the concept of multiplication to your students? As your class embarks on this journey of learning this math skill, chances are they will learn many different strategies to help them understand the concept of multiplication. One concept that early learners use when learning about multiplication is using arrays. So, what exactly is an array? An array is a visual representation that puts objects into rows and columns. The number of rows represents one factor, and the number of columns represents the second factor. The grid-like model is then filled in to create a square or a rectangle. Let’s take a look at some examples of different arrays!

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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

In the array above, we can see that there are 3 rows and 5 objects in each row. This represents the expression 3 x 5, which equals 15.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This array represents the multiplication fact 5 x 7. There are 5 rows with 7 stars in each. The product of this array is 35.

Multiplication Array Method Practice

Looking for additional array practice for your 3rd grade students? Have no fear; you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a set of engaging interactive task cards to help your students relate multiplication expressions and arrays as well as determine the products of various array models.

To complete this activity, students will first review how arrays are used to model multiplication problems. Students will be presented with a screen that shows the differences between rows and columns and the correct way to write a multiplication problem based on a rectangular array. Students will then be presented with 24 different problems they must answer. They will advance to the next question if they get the correct answer. If they answer incorrectly, they will return to the problem and try again.

How To Get Your Rectangular Array Multiplication Activity

If you are ready for your students to get started with this fun donut-themed activity, head on over to the green download button! Here, you will find the Google Slides version of this resource. Please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the file to your personal drive before accessing it.

After assigning this activity to your students, guide them to open the presentation in “Slideshow” mode. The correct answers are linked within the slide deck, creating a self-checking experience for your students.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Array Practice for Your Lessons!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Multiplication Arrays Mini-Book

Teach your students about multiplication and array models with this printable mini-book.

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Array, Array, Go Away Dice Game

Reinforce how to match arrays and multiplication facts with this printable dice game.

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Multiplication With Arrays Bingo

Review how arrays and multiplication facts are related with this whole-class Bingo game.