2nd Grade Math Question of the Day

1. Only Ana is correct.
2. Only Sam is correct.
3. Both Ana and Sam are correct. (correct answer)
4. Neither is correct.

Explanation: When you see an array (a rectangle made of rows and columns of dots), you can count the total in two different ways: by rows or by columns. Both ways give you the same total because you're counting the exact same dots — just grouped differently. This is the foundation of the commutative property of multiplication. Picture an array with 3 rows and 5 columns. If you count across each row, you see 5 dots per row, and there are 3 rows: $5 + 5 + 5 = 15$. That's what Ana did. If you count down each column, you see 3 dots per column, and there are 5 columns: $3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15$. That's what Sam did. Both students correctly described the same array, so C is right. Choice A is wrong because it ignores that Sam's column-by-column count is just as valid as Ana's row-by-row count. Choice B makes the opposite mistake, dismissing Ana's correct row count. Choice D is wrong because both sums equal 15 and both match the array — neither student made an error. A helpful tip: whenever you see an array problem, remember that rows and columns give you two matching addition sentences. If both add up to the same total and match the picture, both are correct. This is also how you'll later learn that $3 \times 5 = 5 \times 3$.