Multiplication & division

Multiplication & division: Equal groups & sharing

Year 1 · Year 2

✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to understand what an 'equal group' means.
✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to make equal groups from a collection of objects.
✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to share a collection of objects equally between a number of groups.
✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to represent equal groups using arrays.
✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to use the language of 'groups of', 'shared equally between', 'rows' and 'columns'.

Key concepts

Equal Groups

When we talk about 'equal groups', it means that every group has exactly the same number of items in it. For example, if you have 3 groups of toys and each group has 2 toys, then they are equal groups.

Grouping

Grouping is when you take a larger number of items and put them into smaller, equal groups. You decide how many items go into each group, and then you find out how many groups you can make. For example, if you have 10 apples and you put them into groups of 2, you will have 5 groups.

Sharing Equally

Sharing equally means giving the same number of items to each person or group. You start with a total number of items and give one to each person, then another one to each person, and so on, until all the items are shared out. Everyone must end up with the same amount. For example, if you share 6 sweets equally between 3 friends, each friend gets 2 sweets.

Arrays

An array is a way to arrange objects in neat rows and columns. It helps us see equal groups clearly. Rows go across (left to right), and columns go up and down (top to bottom). For example, 3 rows of 4 counters make an array, and you can easily see there are 12 counters altogether.

Key facts to remember

1Equal groups mean every group has the same number of items.
2When you share equally, everyone gets the same amount.
3Arrays show items arranged in neat rows and columns.
4Rows go across (left to right).
5Columns go up and down (top to bottom).
6You can count in steps (like 2s, 5s, or 10s) to find the total in equal groups or arrays.
7Multiplication is like adding equal groups many times (e.g., 3 groups of 4 is 4 + 4 + 4).
8Division is about grouping or sharing equally.

Worked examples

Example 1

I have 12 toy cars. I want to put them into boxes with 3 cars in each box. How many boxes will I need?

IDraw 12 toy cars.

IICircle groups of 3 cars.

IIICount how many groups you have made.

Answer

You will need 4 boxes.

This is an example of 'grouping'.

Example 2

There are 8 biscuits. Share them equally between 2 children. How many biscuits does each child get?

IDraw 2 children.

IIDraw 8 biscuits.

IIIGive one biscuit to the first child, then one to the second child. Repeat this until all 8 biscuits are shared.

IVCount how many biscuits one child has.

Answer

Each child gets 4 biscuits.

This is an example of 'sharing equally'.

Example 3

Draw an array to show 3 rows of 5 counters. How many counters are there altogether?

IDraw 3 rows.

IIIn each row, draw 5 counters (e.g., circles or dots).

IIICount all the counters you have drawn.

Answer

There are 15 counters altogether.

Remember, rows go across.

Common mistakes

✗Not making sure all groups are exactly equal.
✗Forgetting to share all the items when sharing equally.
✗Confusing 'rows' with 'columns' when making arrays.
✗Counting items incorrectly, especially when there are many.
✗Trying to share or group without a clear plan, leading to uneven amounts.

Exam tips

★Always draw pictures or use real objects to help you solve problems.
★Count very carefully, especially when you are making groups or sharing.
★Check your answer by counting again or by explaining it to someone else.
★Use the maths words you have learned, like 'groups of', 'shared equally', 'rows', and 'columns'.

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