The array can be shown as 5 groups of 3 showing that 5 x 3 = 15. Or it could be shown as 3 groups of 5 showing that 3 x 5 = 15. This demonstrates that multiplication is commutative. Image caption, ...

Long multiplication is used regularly in daily life. Using the area method breaks the stages into more manageable steps and is less likely to lead to place value errors.

Using arrays to find the factors of whole numbers between 10 and 100. Identifying the factors of composite numbers and prime numbers. Using multiplication and division facts to visualise and plan ...