How To Use Area Models To Visualize Multiplication Equations

An area model represents a multiplication equation as rows and columns of a grid. Area models are the opposite of box models, which can be used for division equations. Area models are similar to array models because they both represent multiplication equations using rows and columns; however, array models are objects organized in rows and columns, while area models are represented as a grid or rectangle.

To use an area model for multiplication, follow these steps:

1. Draw a rectangle.
2. Divide the rectangle into rows equal to the value of the first number.
3. Further divide the rectangle into columns equal to the value of the second number.
4. The resulting number of units in the grid is equal to the product of the two numbers.

For example, let's consider the multiplication equation 2 × 3:

1. The first number is 2, so divide the rectangle into 2 rows .
2. The second number is 3, so divide the rectangle into 3 columns .
3. Count the number of units in the grid to determine the product of 2 and 3 (6)