The apples are arranged in alternating rows of 5 and 4 accordingly. Thus, two end of the tray display 5 apples in the row and the other two ends have 4. To arrive at this arrangement there must be 4 rows of 5 apples and 3 rows of 4 apples alternating.
4 X 5 + 3 X 4
= 20 + 12
= 32
To explain this to K2 children, I will use patterning. Instruction will be:
There are some apples in a tray. The apples are arranged rows of 5 and 4 apples such that two opposite ends have 5 apples and the other two opposite ends have 4 apples. Using cubes show the arrangement. Count the total number of apples on the tray.
