Using directed number counters allows students to see the impact of multiplying positive and negative numbers, helping them understand that a negative multiplied by a positive or vice versa results in a negative product, as well as differentiating between the magnitude and direction of numbers in multiplication.

Throughout this worksheet learners will: match arrays to calculations, look at the commutative nature of multiplication, draw arrays to aid them in completing multiplication number sentences, discover patterns in multiplication of positive and negative numbers, use these patterns to complete number sentences where arrays would be inappropriate, and complete puzzles involving the multiplication of a positive and negative number.