Hip Hip Array!

Today in math we began our study of multiplication, building on the knowledge we have from third grade. We searched high and low for rectangular arrays all around the room. A rectangular array is a rectangular arrangement of rows and columns. Here are just some of the arrays we found!

We found out that our Seed Ideas Chart was a 4 x 9 array. It had four rows and nine columns. 

9 x 4 = 36 spaces for ideas

Looking up, we found that the lights in our classroom are also rectangular arrays. They had 26 rows and 2 columns. 

26 x 2 = 52 sections for light

Our desks formed a simple rectangular array with 2 rows and 2 columns. 

2 x 2 = 4 desks

Here's an array that kept popping up on our Smartboard. We found it had 7 rows and 3 columns. 

7 x 3 = 21 choices. 

These are just some of the arrays we found in our explorations today. Where else do you see arrays in your daily lives?