ONE WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT
Build from familiar parts.
7 × 6 = 5 × 6 + 2 × 6 = 30 + 12 = 42. Point to each part in the array.
Try this together
Try 5 groups plus 2 groups; other splits can work too.
Say the complete fact, draw or build its groups, then try it again without the picture. It is fine to return to a known fact when an answer feels uncertain.