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Division with arrays

division

Division with arrays

Connect rows, columns, multiplication and division facts.

Quick answer

Division with arrays helps you share things equally into rows and columns, showing how many items are in each group.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how arrays help you solve division problems by sharing objects equally into rows and columns. Success signs:

You can make an array to show a division problem
You can count the rows and columns to find the answer
You can use arrays to solve real-life sharing problems
You can connect arrays to multiplication facts

Why this matters

Arrays help you understand division by showing how things can be shared equally. You use arrays when you share food, arrange toys, or solve puzzles. Arrays also help you see the connection between multiplication and division. If you know that 3 × 4 = 12, then you also know that 12 ÷ 3 = 4 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.

How it works

Arrays are arrangements of objects in rows and columns. When you divide using arrays, you:

Start with a total number of objects
Decide how many rows or columns you want
Place the objects equally into the rows or columns
Count how many objects are in each row or column

For example, if you have 12 apples and want to share them equally into 3 rows, you put 4 apples in each row.

Examples you can see

Let’s use arrays to solve division problems. Example 1: You have 15 cookies and want to share them equally into 5 rows. How many cookies are in each row?

Draw 5 rows
Put 15 cookies in total
Share them equally
Each row has 3 cookies

So, 15 ÷ 5 = 3. Example 2: You have 20 pencils and want to put them into 4 columns. How many pencils are in each column?

Draw 4 columns
Put 20 pencils in total
Share them equally
Each column has 5 pencils

So, 20 ÷ 4 = 5. Example 3: You have 24 toy cars and want to make 6 rows. How many cars are in each row?

Draw 6 rows
Put 24 cars in total
Share them equally
Each row has 4 cars

So, 24 ÷ 6 = 4.

Try it as a mini adventure

The Great Cookie Sharing Adventure You are the cookie baker at a school party. You have 36 cookies to share equally among 6 tables. How many cookies should go on each table?

Step 1: Draw 6 tables (rows)
Step 2: Place 36 cookies
Step 3: Share them equally
Step 4: Count how many cookies are on each table

Answer: Each table gets 6 cookies. So, 36 ÷ 6 = 6. Challenge: You now have 40 cupcakes to share among 8 tables. How many cupcakes go on each table? Answer: 40 ÷ 8 = 5 cupcakes per table.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Thinking that the number of rows or columns is the answer.
Why it happens: Confusing rows/columns with the result.
Fix: Count how many objects are in each row or column, not the number of rows or columns.
Mistake: Not sharing the objects equally.
Why it happens: Rushing through the problem.
Fix: Make sure each row or column has the same number of objects.
Mistake: Mixing up division and multiplication.
Why it happens: Not understanding the relationship between the two.
Fix: Use arrays to show how multiplication and division are connected.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:

Using everyday items like toys, fruits, or buttons to make arrays
Encouraging children to draw arrays when solving problems
Connecting division to sharing scenarios, like splitting snacks or toys
Practising the connection between multiplication and division using arrays
Letting children make mistakes and learn from them

At home, try:

Setting out 12 toys and asking how many rows of 3 you can make
Using a grid paper to make arrays for different division problems
Playing a game where you give a division problem and ask your child to draw an array

Practice questions

12 ÷ 3 = ?
18 ÷ 6 = ?
25 ÷ 5 = ?
30 ÷ 10 = ?
21 ÷ 7 = ?
36 ÷ 9 = ?
40 ÷ 8 = ?
14 ÷ 2 = ?
27 ÷ 3 = ?
45 ÷ 5 = ?

Answers:

FAQ

What is an array in division?

An array is a way of arranging objects in rows and columns. In division, arrays help you share things equally and find how many are in each group.

How does an array help with division?

An array helps you see how a total number of objects can be shared equally into rows or columns. It makes division easier to understand.

Can arrays be used for all division problems?

Yes, arrays can be used for any division problem where you are sharing equally. They help you visualise the problem and find the answer.

How do arrays connect to multiplication?

Arrays show that multiplication and division are connected. If 3 rows of 4 objects = 12 objects, then 12 ÷ 3 = 4 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.

Why is it important to learn division with arrays?

Learning division with arrays helps children understand how sharing works and builds a strong foundation for more advanced maths. It also connects to real-life situations like sharing food or arranging items.