The product of two whole numbers can be represented by an array where the first factor is the number of rows, the second factor is the number of columns, and the product is the total number of objects.

The array shown has 6 rows, 9 columns, and 54 total chickens.
So, the array represents a multiplication equation where 6 is the first factor, 9 is the second factor, and 54 is the product.

Therefore, the array represents 6 × 9 = 54.

The product of two whole numbers can be represented by an area model where the two factors are the rectangle's dimensions and the product is the area of the rectangle.

In this case, the area model has 12 rows, 8 columns, and an area of 96 squares.
So, the area model has dimensions of 12 units by 8 units.

The factor 12 is given, so the missing factor is 8, which is the other dimension of the area model.

Multiplication can be used to find the total when a given amount is added multiple times.

To find how many apple slices are in 6 lunches, multiply 6 by the number of apple slices in each lunch, 8.

6

×

8

=

Division can be used to find the number of items in each group when a total number of items is divided into equal groups.

To find how many pineapple chunks are in each bag, divide 24 by the number of plastic snack bags, 3.

24

÷

3

=