---
title: "Arrays for multiplication (age 7+)"
description: "Use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays with up to 5 rows and 5 columns; write an equation to express the total as a sum of equal addends"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-age-7-mt_B1zj1RwQ3a
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-age-7-mt_B1zj1RwQ3a.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Arrays for multiplication (age 7+)

Use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays with up to 5 rows and 5 columns; write an equation to express the total as a sum of equal addends

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Multiplication & Division · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-age-7-mt_B1zj1RwQ3a

## Ready when they can

- Count objects in a 3×4 array and write 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
- Explain that each row has the same number of objects so the total can be found by repeated addition
- Draw a rectangular array to model a given repeated-addition equation

## Lesson: Writing arrays as addition equations

You already know what an array looks like, and you know how to add the same number again and again. Now put those together. In an array, every row has the same number of objects, so you can add up the rows to get the total, and write it as an equation.

*(drawing: 3 rows of 4 stars: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.)*

**Example.** Mia lines up 4 rows of 5 buttons. Each row has 5 buttons, so she adds 5 four times: 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20 buttons.

The number of rows tells you how many addends to write. The number of objects in each row tells you what number to add each time.

**Recap.** Count the rows, then add that many equal groups to write the equation.

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Arrays for multiplication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-mt_GRWwTDZ3wD)
- [Multiplication as repeated addition](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplication-as-repeated-addition-mt_PZ909yPrEC)

## Opens up

- [What Multiplication Means](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/what-multiplication-means-mt_gtTl3R5buH)
- [Rows & Columns in Rectangles](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/rows-and-columns-in-rectangles-mt_UTnDKQkVX5)