Question 643645
Definition: 

In math, an array refers to a set of numbers or objects that will follow a specific pattern. 
An array is an orderly arrangement, often in rows, columns or a matrix. Arrays are used in multiplication and division as it shows a great visual to show how multiplication can be 
shown as repeated addition and division can be shown as fair shares.

An array is a rectangular arrangement of objects in equal rows or columns, so if you're asked to draw an array of 5x6 then I guess you could use x's or dots as the objects and have:

x x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x

There are many authentic examples of arrays that help with the understanding of how using arrays can help students to see efficient strategies. Consider a box of chocolates or a crate of oranges that have an arrangement of 12 across and 8 down (8 across, 5 down, 12 across, 12 down etc.). Rather than count each one, they multiply 12 x 8 which aids understanding about why it's an efficient strategy to use multiplication and see why multiplication works.