Question

Which of the arrays cannot be formed using 12 counters?

• A. $5$ rows $\times 2$ columns
• B. $6$ rows $\times 2$ columns
• C. $4$ rows $\times 3$ columns
• D. $2$ rows $\times 6$ columns

Answer 1

The correct option is A $5$ rows $\times 2$ columns

• Let us check each option one by one.
• Option A:

Number of counter = 2 rows $\times$ 6 columns
= 2 times 6
= 2 $\times$ 6 = 12 counters

• Option B:

Number of counter = 4 rows $\times$ 3 columns
= 4 times 3
= 4 $\times$ 3 = 12 counters

• Option C:

Number of counter = 5 rows $\times$ 2 columns
= 5 times 2
= 5 $\times$ 2 = 10 counters

• Option D:

Number of counter = 6 rows $\times$ 2 columns
= 6 times 2
= 6 $\times$ 2 = 12 counters

• We can see that only in the case of the array with 5 rows and 2 columns, we have 10 counters instead of 12. So, that is the correct option.
• Hence, option C is correct.