Lesson: Equal Groups and Arrays (Grade 2)

Multiplying is a fast way to add equal groups.

Equal groups

There are 3 bags. Each bag has 4 apples. How many apples in all?

We could add: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.

Or we can say "3 groups of 4" and write it as a multiplication:

3 × 4 = 12

The × sign means "groups of".

Arrays: neat rows

An array puts things in straight rows. Each row has the same number.

Look at the purple dots: 3 rows with 4 in each row. That's 3 × 4 = 12.

Now turn it on its side (pink dots): 4 rows of 3. Still 12!

So 3 × 4 = 4 × 3. You can swap the numbers and the answer stays the same.

Find arrays at home

• An egg box: 2 rows of 6 = 12 eggs
• A muffin tray: 3 rows of 4 = 12 muffins
• A chocolate bar: count the rows and the pieces in each row

Practice

Try the Equal Groups & Arrays worksheets. Then move on to Intro to Multiplication.