Division Using Array Model for Grade 3 Students

Master division through visual arrays: equal groups, row-column organization, and problem-solving strategies with detailed examples.

Array Model Exercises: Problems 1 to 3
1 Basic Array Division
Exercise 1
Sarah has 12 cookies. She wants to arrange them in an array with 3 rows. How many cookies will be in each row?
Array Setup:

Total items: 12 cookies, Number of rows: 3

🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
Step 1: Identify the total and divisor

Total cookies = 12, Number of rows = 3

Step 2: Draw the array

Create 3 rows and distribute 12 cookies equally

Step 3: Count cookies per row

Row 1: 4 cookies, Row 2: 4 cookies, Row 3: 4 cookies

Step 4: Write the division equation

12 ÷ 3 = 4

12 ÷ 3 = 4 cookies per row
Final answer:

There will be 4 cookies in each row.

Applied rules:

• Division as equal sharing: Distribute items equally among groups

• Array structure: Rows represent groups, columns represent items per group

• Verification: 3 rows × 4 cookies = 12 total cookies

2 Column Array Division
Exercise 2
A farmer has 18 carrots. He plants them in an array with 6 columns. How many rows will he need?
Array Setup:

Total items: 18 carrots, Number of columns: 6

🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
Step 1: Identify the total and divisor

Total carrots = 18, Number of columns = 6

Step 2: Draw the array

Create 6 columns and fill with 18 carrots

Step 3: Count the number of rows

Row 1: 6 carrots, Row 2: 6 carrots, Row 3: 6 carrots

Step 4: Write the division equation

18 ÷ 6 = 3

18 ÷ 6 = 3 rows needed
Final answer:

The farmer will need 3 rows.

Applied rules:

• Division as grouping: Determine how many groups of a certain size fit into the total

• Array flexibility: Can work with rows OR columns as divisor

• Verification: 3 rows × 6 columns = 18 total carrots

3 Mixed Array Problem
Exercise 3
Emma arranges 24 stickers in an array with 4 rows. Then she rearranges them with 6 rows. How many stickers are in each row in the new arrangement?
First Arrangement:

Total items: 24 stickers, Number of rows: 4

💟
💟
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
New Arrangement:

Total items: 24 stickers, Number of rows: 6

bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
bfd
Step 1: Analyze the first arrangement

24 stickers ÷ 4 rows = 6 stickers per row

Step 2: Set up the second arrangement

Total remains 24 stickers, now with 6 rows

Step 3: Calculate stickers per row in new arrangement

24 ÷ 6 = 4 stickers per row

Step 4: Verify the result

6 rows × 4 stickers = 24 total stickers ✓

24 ÷ 6 = 4 stickers per row
Final answer:

There are 4 stickers in each row in the new arrangement.

Applied rules:

• Conservation of quantity: Total items remain constant

• Array flexibility: Same total can have multiple arrangements

• Relationship between factors: More rows means fewer items per row

Array Model Concepts and Properties
Rows × Columns = Total
Array Structure
Division as Sharing
Total ÷ Rows = Items per Row
Equal distribution
Division as Grouping
Total ÷ Columns = Number of Rows
How many groups fit?
Array Structure
Rows × Columns = Total
Visual organization
Key definitions:

Array: Items arranged in rows and columns forming rectangles or squares

Rows: Horizontal lines of items (go left to right)

Columns: Vertical lines of items (go top to bottom)

Cells: Individual positions in the array

Dimensions: Number of rows by number of columns

Array Problem-Solving Steps:
  1. Identify: What is the total? What do you know? What do you need?
  2. Visualize: Draw the array with given information
  3. Calculate: Perform the division operation
  4. Verify: Check by multiplication
Tip 1: Draw arrays to visualize the problem when stuck.
Tip 2: Check your answer by multiplying divisor and quotient.
Tip 3: Remember: rows are horizontal, columns are vertical.
Common errors: Confusing rows with columns, forgetting to count all items.
Memory aid: "Rows go across, columns stand tall."
Detailed Summary: Division Using Array Model
a ÷ b = c if and only if b × c = a
Division-Multiplication Relationship
Core Concepts:

Division: The process of splitting a total amount into equal parts

Array Model: Visual representation using rows and columns

Rows: Horizontal lines representing groups

Columns: Vertical lines representing items per group

Rectangular Array: Organized grid showing equal groups

Step-by-Step Array Approach:
  1. Read the problem: Identify total, groups, and what to find
  2. Draw the array: Visualize the arrangement
  3. Set up division: Write dividend ÷ divisor
  4. Solve: Count or calculate the quotient
  5. Verify: Multiply divisor × quotient to get dividend
Strategy 1: Count items in one row/column to find the pattern.
Strategy 2: Use skip counting to fill in missing information.
Strategy 3: Break large arrays into smaller, manageable parts.
Array Properties:

• Identity Property: a ÷ 1 = a

• Zero Property: 0 ÷ a = 0 (when a ≠ 0)

• Undefined: a ÷ 0 is undefined

• Inverse Property: a ÷ b = c means b × c = a

Key insight: Arrays make abstract division concrete and visual.
Connection: Arrays connect division to multiplication and area.
Examples:
Array Model Applications
Simple Array Example

Problem: 12 items in 3 rows

Array: 3 rows × 4 columns = 12 total

Division: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 items per row

Grouping Array Example

Problem: 15 items in groups of 3

Array: 5 rows × 3 columns = 15 total

Division: 15 ÷ 3 = 5 rows needed

Advanced Array Example

Problem: 20 items in 4 rows

Array: 4 rows × 5 columns = 20 total

Division: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 items per row

Array Model Benefits
• Visualizes equal groups clearly
• Shows relationship between multiplication and division
• Makes abstract concepts concrete
• Supports understanding of area models
• Builds foundation for larger division problems

Questions & Answers

Question: I don't understand how to draw an array for division problems. Can you explain how to know where to put the rows and columns?

Answer: Think of rows and columns like this:

  • Rows go ACROSS (left to right) - like reading a book
  • Columns go DOWN (top to bottom) - like going down stairs

When solving division problems:

  • If the problem says "arrange in 3 rows", draw 3 horizontal lines
  • If the problem says "arrange in 4 columns", draw 4 vertical lines
  • Then fill in the spaces equally with your items

For example, if you have 12 items in 3 rows: draw 3 horizontal lines and distribute 12 items equally across those rows (4 items in each row).

Question: Why do we need to learn arrays for division? Can't we just divide normally?

Answer: Arrays are incredibly important because they make division concrete and visual! Here's why:

  • Understanding concept: Arrays show WHY division works, not just HOW
  • Visual connection: Links division to multiplication (area model)
  • Problem-solving: Helps organize thinking and avoid mistakes
  • Foundation: Builds skills for larger division problems later

Think of arrays as a bridge between concrete manipulatives (like counters) and abstract symbols. They help you see that 12 ÷ 3 = 4 means "12 items shared equally among 3 groups gives 4 items in each group."

Question: How do I know if I divided correctly using an array? Is there a way to check?

Answer: Yes, there are several ways to check your array division!

  • Multiplication check: Multiply your answer by the divisor. If you get the dividend, you're correct!
  • Counting check: Count all the items in your completed array to make sure you have the original total
  • Visual check: Make sure items are distributed equally in each row/column

For example: If you solved 15 ÷ 3 = 5 using an array, check by multiplying 3 × 5 = 15. Since you get back to 15, your answer is correct!