LEGO Games brick arrays maths mission
A practical mini-mission using brick arrays to practise multiplication through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.
Quick answer
LEGO Games brick arrays maths mission is a fun way to learn multiplication by arranging LEGO bricks in rows and columns. You can use arrays to solve multiplication problems and understand how groups of things work together.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to:
- Use arrays of LEGO bricks to show multiplication problems
- Count how many bricks are in each row and column
- Write multiplication sentences using your brick arrays
- Use arrays to solve real-life problems with LEGO bricks
Why this matters
Arrays are a powerful way to understand multiplication. When you build with LEGO bricks, you're not just playing – you're learning maths! This skill helps you:
- Count faster by grouping things
- Understand how multiplication works in real life
- Prepare for bigger maths problems in school
- Build confidence with numbers
Whether you're building a LEGO spaceship, a castle, or a race car, you're using arrays without even realising it!
How it works
Arrays are arrangements of objects in rows and columns. To build a LEGO array:
- Choose a multiplication problem (like 3 × 4)
- Make that many rows of bricks
- Put that many bricks in each row
- Count all the bricks to check your answer
For example, 3 × 4 means 3 rows with 4 bricks in each row. When you put them together, you get 12 bricks total.
Examples you can see
Let’s look at some examples using LEGO bricks:
| Multiplication | Array | Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| 2 × 3 | 2 rows of 3 bricks | 6 bricks |
| 4 × 2 | 4 rows of 2 bricks | 8 bricks |
| 5 × 3 | 5 rows of 3 bricks | 15 bricks |
Each row is the same size, and each column has the same number of bricks. This makes it easy to count and understand multiplication.
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you're a LEGO builder on a mission! You need to build a spaceship using arrays of bricks.
Adventure mission: Build a spaceship with 3 rows of 5 bricks each.
- First, take 5 bricks and make one row
- Next, make 2 more rows with 5 bricks each
- Count how many bricks you used in total
- Write the multiplication sentence: 3 × 5 = 15
Challenge: Build a castle with 4 rows of 6 bricks each. How many bricks do you need?
Answer: 4 × 6 = 24 bricks
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Counting rows instead of columns, or vice versa
Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when you’re building.
Fix: Always double-check that you have the right number of rows and columns. - Mistake: Thinking 3 × 4 = 12, but forgetting to count all the bricks
Why it happens: You might count just one row and think that’s your answer.
Fix: Count all the bricks in each row and add them up. - Mistake: Making rows with different numbers of bricks
Why it happens: When building quickly, it's easy to make mistakes.
Fix: Keep all rows the same length and all columns the same height.
Parent and carer guide
Here’s how you can help your child with this LEGO array mission:
- Encourage them to build arrays using their own LEGO bricks
- Ask questions like: "How many rows are there?" or "How many bricks in each row?"
- Help them write multiplication sentences after they build
- Let them make up their own array problems
- Don’t worry if they make mistakes – they're part of learning!
5-minute activity: Ask your child to build an array of 2 rows with 6 bricks in each row. Then, count the bricks together and write the multiplication sentence.
Practice questions
- Build 3 rows of 4 bricks. What multiplication sentence do you write?
Answer: 3 × 4 = 12 - How many bricks are in 5 rows of 2 bricks each?
Answer: 5 × 2 = 10 - Make an array with 4 rows and 3 bricks in each row. What is the total?
Answer: 4 × 3 = 12 - Build 6 rows of 1 brick each. How many bricks do you use?
Answer: 6 × 1 = 6 - How many bricks in 2 rows of 7 bricks each?
Answer: 2 × 7 = 14
LEGO Games brick arrays maths mission facts
| Number × 1 | Number × 2 | Number × 3 | Number × 4 | Number × 5 | Number × 6 | Number × 7 | Number × 8 | Number × 9 | Number × 10 | Number × 11 | Number × 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 × 1 = 0 | 0 × 2 = 0 | 0 × 3 = 0 | 0 × 4 = 0 | 0 × 5 = 0 | 0 × 6 = 0 | 0 × 7 = 0 | 0 × 8 = 0 | 0 × 9 = 0 | 0 × 10 = 0 | 0 × 11 = 0 | 0 × 12 = 0 |
| 1 × 1 = 1 | 1 × 2 = 2 | 1 × 3 = 3 | 1 × 4 = 4 | 1 × 5 = 5 | 1 × 6 = 6 | 1 × 7 = 7 | 1 × 8 = 8 | 1 × 9 = 9 | 1 × 10 = 10 | 1 × 11 = 11 | 1 × 12 = 12 |
| 2 × 1 = 2 | 2 × 2 = 4 | 2 × 3 = 6 | 2 × 4 = 8 | 2 × 5 = 10 | 2 × 6 = 12 | 2 × 7 = 14 | 2 × 8 = 16 | 2 × 9 = 18 | 2 × 10 = 20 | 2 × 11 = 22 | 2 × 12 = 24 |
| 3 × 1 = 3 | 3 × 2 = 6 | 3 × 3 = 9 | 3 × 4 = 12 | 3 × 5 = 15 | 3 × 6 = 18 | 3 × 7 = 21 | 3 × 8 = 24 | 3 × 9 = 27 | 3 × 10 = 30 | 3 × 11 = 33 | 3 × 12 = 36 |
| 4 × 1 = 4 | 4 × 2 = 8 | 4 × 3 = 12 | 4 × 4 = 16 | 4 × 5 = 20 | 4 × 6 = 24 | 4 × 7 = 28 | 4 × 8 = 32 | 4 × 9 = 36 | 4 × 10 = 40 | 4 × 11 = 44 | 4 × 12 = 48 |
| 5 × 1 = 5 | 5 × 2 = 10 | 5 × 3 = 15 | 5 × 4 = 20 | 5 × 5 = 25 | 5 × 6 = 30 | 5 × 7 = 35 | 5 × 8 = 40 | 5 × 9 = 45 | 5 × 10 = 50 | 5 × 11 = 55 | 5 × 12 = 60 |
| 6 × 1 = 6 | 6 × 2 = 12 | 6 × 3 = 18 | 6 × 4 = 24 | 6 × 5 = 30 | 6 × 6 = 36 | 6 × 7 = 42 | 6 × 8 = 48 | 6 × 9 = 54 | 6 × 10 = 60 | 6 × 11 = 66 | 6 × 12 = 72 |
| 7 × 1 = 7 | 7 × 2 = 14 | 7 × 3 = 21 | 7 × 4 = 28 | 7 × 5 = 35 | 7 × 6 = 42 | 7 × 7 = 49 | 7 × 8 = 56 | 7 × 9 = 63 | 7 × 10 = 70 | 7 × 11 = 77 | 7 × 12 = 84 |
| 8 × 1 = 8 | 8 × 2 = 16 | 8 × 3 = 24 | 8 × 4 = 32 | 8 × 5 = 40 | 8 × 6 = 48 | 8 × 7 = 56 | 8 × 8 = 64 | 8 × 9 = 72 | 8 × 10 = 80 | 8 × 11 = 88 | 8 × 12 = 96 |
| 9 × 1 = 9 | 9 × 2 = 18 | 9 × 3 = 27 | 9 × 4 = 36 | 9 × 5 = 45 | 9 × 6 = 54 | 9 × 7 = 63 | 9 × 8 = 72 | 9 × 9 = 81 | 9 × 10 = 90 | 9 × 11 = 99 | 9 × 12 = 108 |
| 10 × 1 = 10 | 10 × 2 = 20 | 10 × 3 = 30 | 10 × 4 = 40 | 10 × 5 = 50 | 10 × 6 = 60 | 10 × 7 = 70 | 10 × 8 = 80 | 10 × 9 = 90 | 10 × 10 = 100 | 10 × 11 = 110 | 10 × 12 = 120 |
| 11 × 1 = 11 | 11 × 2 = 22 | 11 × 3 = 33 | 11 × 4 = 44 | 11 × 5 = 55 | 11 × 6 = 66 | 11 × 7 = 77 | 11 × 8 = 88 | 11 × 9 = 99 | 11 × 10 = 110 | 11 × 11 = 121 | 11 × 12 = 132 |
| 12 × 1 = 12 | 12 × 2 = 24 | 12 × 3 = 36 | 12 × 4 = 48 | 12 × 5 = 60 | 12 × 6 = 72 | 12 × 7 = 84 | 12 × 8 = 96 | 12 × 9 = 108 | 12 × 10 = 120 | 12 × 11 = 132 | 12 × 12 = 144 |
FAQ
What is a brick array?
A brick array is a way of arranging LEGO bricks in rows and columns to show multiplication problems.
Why do we use arrays to learn multiplication?
Arrays help us see how multiplication works. They show us equal groups of things and make it easier to count.
Can I use any number of rows and columns?
Yes! You can make arrays with any number of rows and columns. For example, 3 rows of 4 bricks or 5 rows of 2 bricks.
How can I practice arrays at home?
You can use any small objects like coins, buttons, or pasta to make arrays. Try building 4 rows of 3 items each and count them.
Is this the same as multiplication?
Yes! Arrays are a visual way to show multiplication. When you build 3 rows of 4 bricks, you're showing 3 × 4 = 12.