Skill: Partition arrays into smaller arrays

An array is a group of objects arranged in equal rows and columns. To partition an array, split it into smaller rectangular arrays without moving or losing any objects.

Example: Find the total number of dots in a $6 \times 4$ array.

Start with $6$ rows and $4$ dots in each row:

$$6 \times 4$$

Split the $4$ columns into two groups of $2$ columns:

$$6 \times 4 = (6 \times 2) + (6 \times 2)$$

Now find the number of dots in each smaller array:

$$6 \times 2 = 12$$

So there are $12$ dots in each part. Add the parts:

$$12 + 12 = 24$$

Therefore,

$$\boxed{6 \times 4 = 24}$$

The two smaller arrays still contain all the dots from the original array.