The two methods shown here complement each other.
This post shows you how to insert symbols like ×, ÷ and π quickly, on most computers (a Windows PC running Microsoft office). For example, x (the letter) is not a good substitue for × (the multiplication symbol). One of the problems I see is that many people don’t know how to insert symbols into their document. It’s not designed for the job, there are better options but Word is the easiest to learn and has the greatest compatibility – making it easy to share documents. For more help using multiplication arrays to teach the times tables, check out Multiplication Facts That Stick.Many teachers use Microsoft Word to create worksheets. Now, the dot array shows the related multiplication fact–but the total number of dots didn’t change. To show your child this fact, use the dot array to show a multiplication fact. For example, 2 × 7 and 7 ×2 both equal the same answer: 14. The commutative property says that you can multiply numbers in any order and still get the same answer. Multiplication arrays make it easy for kids to see the commutative property in action.
There are 48 dots showing, so 6 × 8 = 48. So, the total number of dots in the array is the answer to 6 × 8. 6 × 8 means “6 groups of 8,” so slide the L-cover so that the dot array looks like this.Įach of the 6 rows has 8 dots, so there are 6 groups of 8 dots. For example, let’s say we wanted to help your child understand what 6 × 8 looks like. Here’s what the dot array and L-cover look like. Hands-on objects are great for introducing multiplication, but they can be a bit of a pain when you’re doing a lot of problems or working with larger numbers. With a paper dot array, you can slide an L-shaped cover over the top of the array and show any multiplication fact you want from 1×1 up to 10×10. Multiplication arrays make it easy to visualize multiplication problems. So, all of the above arrays are considered 3 × 4 arrays, not 4 × 3, even though the total number (12) would be the same either way.) What are the benefits of a multiplication array? 1. (Generally, the first number refers to the number of rows, and the second number refers to the number of columns. For example, here are 3 different arrays that all show 3 × 4. You can make arrays out of objects or pictures, and you can use any sort of shape. Cards laid out into rows to play Memory, seats arranged in rows for a recital, or numbers arranged in an Excel spreadsheet are all examples of arrays.Ī multiplication array is simply an arrangement of rows or columns that matches a multiplication equation.
What’s a multiplication array?Īn array is any arrangement in rows or columns. Even better, multiplication arrays provide an simple visual model that not only helps kids understand the concept of multiplication– it helps kids memorize the times tables faster, too.
Instead of counting out piles and piles of little plastic objects, you can model multiplication problems by simply sliding a piece of paper. That’s why multiplication arrays are so helpful. I heart math manipulatives, but they can be time-consuming (and not very helpful) when it comes to learning the multiplication facts. After all, counting out 8 groups of 7 may take your whole math lesson! And, all that time spent counting won’t really help your child remember that 8 times 7 equals 56, either. They make math concrete and help children understand math at a deeper level.īut, when it comes to memorizing the multiplication facts, hands-on materials can become pretty cumbersome. Hands-on manipulatives help children make sense of math.
Includes a free printable multiplication array that you can use to model multiplication problems from 1×1 up to 10×10. What multiplication arrays are, why they’re so helpful for teaching the concept of multiplication, and how to use a multiplication array to help your child master the times tables.