What is an array in math?

In mathematics, an array is a set of numbers or objects placed in rows or columns. Arrays are often used to represent multiplication or division.

Most commonly, arrays are presented in rows and columns of dots, cubes, grids or other formats to teach students multiplication. For instance, the student might be presented with a grid containing four rows with nine columns. The student then uses the grid to determine the answer to the problem which is 4 x 9. On occasion, arrays are also used to teach addition and subtraction in elementary school classrooms. For younger students, an array may contain other objects to represent the numbers.