Saxon Math Grade 2, Section 5: Arrays & Multiplication Foundations
In this unit, the year ends with arrays and the first ideas behind multiplication. Your child arranges objects in equal rows, adds the rows to find the total, and decides whether a number is odd or even by pairing. Writing even numbers as doubles, like 14 = 7 + 7, links to the facts from the start of the year and leads to multiplication in 3rd grade.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 5?
- Pairing objects to sort numbers to 20 as odd or even, and writing each even number as a double, like 14 = 7 + 7. Learn more: Odd and even numbers
- Using repeated addition to find the total in an array, such as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15 for 5 rows of 3. Learn more: Counting objects in equal rows by adding
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Is 16 an even or odd number?
- Even
- Odd
- Neither
How you can help
- Arrange crackers or blocks into equal rows at snack time and ask your child to say the repeated addition out loud.
- Ask whether the number of people at the table, or forks in the drawer, is odd or even, and pair them up to check.
- Draw dots in 4 rows of 5 on paper and ask your child to add the rows, then the columns, and compare the totals.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing 14 as 6 + 8 when asked for a double, instead of 7 + 7.
- Counting each dot one at a time instead of adding the rows, and skipping some.
- Adding the rows and the columns, answering 8 for 3 rows of 5.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- array
- Objects arranged in equal rows and columns.
- row
- A line of objects going across.
- column
- A line of objects going up and down.
- repeated addition
- Adding the same number again and again, like 4 + 4 + 4.
- odd
- A number that can't be split into pairs without one left over, like 7.
- even
- A number that can be split into pairs with none left over, like 8.
- double
- A number added to itself; 6 + 6 is the double that makes 12.
- pair
- A group of two.
Want to help your child master arrays and repeated addition?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Saxon Math Grade 2 Section 5 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 2 Section 5 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.