What is an array?

An array is a set of objects, dots or squares laid out in equal rows and columns. It makes multiplication visual: 3 rows of 4 is an array that shows 3 × 4 = 12. Turning the array a quarter turn shows why 3 × 4 equals 4 × 3.

Examples

• A 2 by 5 array has 2 rows of 5, showing 2 × 5 = 10.
• Eggs in a carton (2 rows of 6) form a 2 × 6 array.
• A 4 × 4 array has 16 squares.

Quick facts

• Arrays show the commutative property: rows × columns equals columns × rows.
• Arrays lead into the idea of area (length × width).