Math Intervention 3–5 Grade

Multiplication and Division Concepts 131

Rectangular Arrays for Multiplication and Division

CONCEPT:

What are Rectangular Arrays for Multiplication

and Division?

Beginning with single-digits, students can model

multiplication and division with rectangular arrays. To

construct a rectangular array, students form or draw equal

rows. For example, 4 x 8 or 32 ÷ 8 is shown as:

Initially, students may count by ones to fi nd the product/

dividend. Building on this knowledge, we can encourage

students to skip count and recognize the array without

having to count all. After students gain comfort with

single-digits, they can use rectangular arrays to solve

multiplication and division problems with multi-digits.

CCSS

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Formative Assessment

To fi nd out if a student understands rectangular arrays

for multiplication and division, ask the student to draw a

rectangular array for the following expressions:

3 x 10 21÷7

7 x 4 40÷8

Notice how the student illustrates the arrays. Provide easier

or more diffi cult expressions based on the student’s degree of

success with these problems.