Where is multiplication hiding in LEGO Games brick arrays?

Quick answer

Multiplication is hiding in every LEGO brick array you build! When you arrange LEGO bricks in rows and columns, you are making arrays that show multiplication facts. Each row is a group, and each column shows how many of each group you have.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to look at a LEGO brick array and see the multiplication fact it shows, like 3 rows of 4 bricks = 12 bricks total.

• I can count the number of rows and columns in a LEGO array
• I can write the multiplication fact shown by an array
• I can build my own arrays to show multiplication facts
• I can explain how arrays help me understand multiplication

Why this matters

LEGO bricks are perfect for learning multiplication because they are touchable, visual, and fun! When you build with LEGO, you are creating arrays that show how multiplication works. This helps you understand multiplication facts better and makes them easier to remember.

LEGO arrays are used in many games and building projects, so understanding them helps you build better and faster. You'll also use this knowledge when you're learning about area, patterns, and even coding!

How it works

Arrays are arrangements of objects in rows and columns. When you build with LEGO bricks:

1. Each row is a group of bricks
2. Each column shows how many bricks are in each group
3. When you multiply the number of rows by the number of columns, you get the total number of bricks

For example, if you build 3 rows with 4 bricks in each row, you have 3 × 4 = 12 bricks.

Examples you can see

Here are some LEGO arrays you can imagine or build:

Real-world example: LEGO City Building

Imagine you are building a LEGO city. You want to make a parking lot that fits 3 rows of 6 cars. You can build an array with 3 rows and 6 columns. You know that 3 × 6 = 18 cars. This helps you plan how many LEGO car bricks you need!

Real-world example: LEGO Pizza Party

For a LEGO pizza party, you decide to make 4 plates with 3 LEGO pizza slices on each plate. That's 4 rows of 3 slices = 12 slices total. You can build this array to make sure you have enough slices for everyone!

Try it as a mini adventure

LEGO Array Quest: The Mystery of the Hidden Multiplication

You are a LEGO detective trying to find multiplication facts hidden in different arrays. Your mission is to build 5 arrays and write the multiplication facts they show.

1. First time: Build an array with 2 rows and 5 columns
2. Second time: Build an array with 3 rows and 4 columns
3. Third time: Build an array with 5 rows and 2 columns
4. Fourth time: Build an array with 4 rows and 3 columns
5. Fifth time: Build an array with 1 row and 6 columns

After building each array, write the multiplication fact it shows. Then, count all the bricks to check your answer!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Counting the bricks in rows instead of columns, or vice versa
  Why it happens: Confusing rows and columns
  Fix: Use your finger to trace along the rows and columns to keep track
• Mistake: Forgetting to multiply rows × columns
  Why it happens: Thinking you just add the numbers
  Fix: Remember that multiplication shows equal groups
• Mistake: Building arrays that don't have equal groups
  Why it happens: Not keeping the same number of bricks in each row
  Fix: Check that each row has the same number of bricks

Parent and carer guide

Help your child understand arrays by:

• Building arrays together with LEGO bricks
• Asking questions like "How many rows are there?" and "How many bricks in each row?"
• Encouraging them to write the multiplication fact after building
• Using everyday examples like plates of food or rows of seats
• Practising counting by 2s, 3s, 4s, etc. to help with multiplication facts

Tip: If your child gets frustrated, take a break and try again later. Arrays are a new way of thinking, so it takes time to get used to them.

Practice questions

1. Build an array with 3 rows and 4 columns. What multiplication fact does it show?
2. If you have 5 rows of 2 bricks, how many bricks are there in total?
3. Draw an array with 4 rows and 3 columns. What is the multiplication fact?
4. You build 6 rows of 1 brick. How many bricks do you have?
5. How many bricks are in an array with 2 rows and 7 columns?

Answers:

1. 3 × 4 = 12
2. 5 × 2 = 10
3. 4 × 3 = 12
4. 6 × 1 = 6
5. 2 × 7 = 14

FAQ

How can arrays help me learn multiplication?

Arrays help you see multiplication as equal groups. When you build arrays with LEGO bricks, you can see that 3 rows of 4 bricks = 12 bricks total. This makes multiplication facts easier to understand and remember.

Can I use any LEGO bricks to make arrays?

Yes! You can use any LEGO bricks to make arrays. Small bricks like studs or plates work great for small arrays. Larger bricks work well for bigger arrays.

What if I don't have LEGO bricks?

You can use other objects like coins, counters, or even draw arrays on paper. The idea is the same: equal rows and columns.

How can I make arrays more challenging?

Try making arrays with 3 or more rows and columns. You can also build arrays with different sized groups or create patterns in your arrays.

Are arrays only for multiplication?

No! Arrays also help with division, area, and patterns. For example, if you have 12 bricks in a 3 × 4 array, you can also think of it as 12 ÷ 3 = 4 or 12 ÷ 4 = 3.