array

Everyday

1. An array is a set of things put in equal rows and columns. tree →
2. An array is a large, mixed group of things: «an array of colors». tree →
3. In computing, an array is a list of values in order. tree →
4. (old-fashioned) Array can mean fine or splendid clothes worn for a special occasion. tree →

In the lessons

things in rows and columns; total = rows × columns; arrays show multiplication and the commutative law (3 × 4 = 4 × 3); in everyday life, egg cartons, chocolate bars and window panes are arrays

Examples

• The chairs are in an array of 5 rows of 8. tree →
• Draw an array to show 3 × 4. tree →
• The stamps form an array with 6 rows. tree →
• An array has 24 dots in 4 rows. tree →
• An egg carton is an array of 2 rows of 6. tree →
• The shop had a wide array of toys. tree →
• The solar panels sit in a big array. tree →
• Turn the array to show that 3 × 4 = 4 × 3. tree →
• A chocolate bar is an array of squares. tree →
• The program stores the scores in an array. tree →
• The strange lady came again, in grander array than before. tree →

Note

A clue to multiply rows by columns, or to divide the total by rows. Trap: rows go across, columns go down. «An array of» (many kinds) is not an exact count.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah to array someone is to dress them in fine clothes, as Pharaoh did for Joseph. In the other text, and in Samuel, it means soldiers drawn up in lines for battle. In Job it means to put on glory and beauty like clothing.

Interpretation. Pharaoh's dressing of Joseph in linen and a gold chain marks his new rank as ruler of Egypt. Readers see it as the moment Joseph's rise is complete. In Job, God's challenge to "array thyself with glory" is read as showing that only God has true majesty.

Examples

• And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. (Torah GEN.41.42, JPS 1917) tree →
• Tiii) vowels and consonants were made in the form of a "state and arranged like an army in battle array." Isaac Taylor '*i says: "Like soldiers on parade the characters in the alphabetic line have been dressed." (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
• And Israel and the Philistines put the battle in array, army against army. (Prophets 1SA.17.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the Arameans set themselves in array against David, and fought with him. (Prophets 2SA.10.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency, and array thyself with glory and beauty. (Writings JOB.40.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A clue to multiply rows by columns, or to divide the total by rows. Trap: rows go across, columns go down. «An array of» (many kinds) is not an exact count.