A
rectangular array is a group of objects arranged in
rows and
columns;
the number of objects in every row is the same,
and the number of objects in every column is the same.
Two rectangular arrays are shown.
The array on the left has 3 rows and 2 columns.
The array on the right has 2 rows and 3 columns.
Both arrays can be viewed as 3 groups of 2 or 2 groups of 3.
Using repeated addition, 3 groups of 2 is 2 + 2 + 2.
2 + 2 + 2 = 6
Using repeated addition, 2 groups of 3 is 3 + 3.
3 + 3 = 6