Understand How to Use Multiplication Arrays To Solve Problems

Look at these pictures:

Count the rows.

There are 4 rows.

Count the number of dogs in each row.

There are 5 dogs in each row.

We write this as:    4 × 5

To work out the answer, we count all the dogs.

We can count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20.

There are 20 dogs.

4 × 5 = 20

Now look at these pictures:

There are 5 rows.

There are 3 ladybirds in each row.

We write this as:   5 × 3

We could count in 3s or in 5s. Let's count in 5s because it is easier: 5, 10, 15

5 × 3 = 15

So, we know that there are 15 ladybirds in total.

Are you ready to have a go at some questions?