Arrays

An array is a group of objects arranged in neat rows and columns. Arrays help you see what multiplication looks like. Instead of just memorizing facts, you can see them with your eyes.

How Arrays Work

Imagine 3 rows of 4 apples. That is an array. You can count all 12 apples, or you can multiply 3 times 4 to get 12 much faster.

The number of rows is one factor. The number of columns is the other factor. The total number of objects is the product.

Arrays in Real Life

Arrays are everywhere. Eggs come in cartons of 2 rows and 6 columns. That is 12 eggs. Muffin tins have rows and columns. So do seats in a movie theater.

Arrays also help with division. If you have 20 stickers and want to put them in 4 rows, each row gets 5 stickers. That is 20 divided by 4.

Fun Facts

• A checkerboard is an 8 by 8 array with 64 squares.
• Computer screens display pictures using arrays of tiny dots called pixels.
• Marching bands often march in arrays to make neat rectangles on the field.

Did You Know?

You can turn any array on its side and get the same total. A 3 by 5 array and a 5 by 3 array both have 15 objects!