year 3 problem solving multiplication and division

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Mixed multiplication & division word problems

Multiply or divide think.

These math word problems may require multiplication or division to solve.  The student will be challenged to read the problem carefully and think about the situation in order to know which operation to use.

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Snappy Maths

Primary/elementary mathematics.

Year 3 Multiplication and Division Facts

Year 3 Times Tables Interactive

Choose your timer and see how many 3x, 4x and 8x tables questions you can answer. Use the number track to help if needed.

Year 3 Times Tables Beat the Clock

Set your speed. You have 25 three, four and eight times tables questions and three lives. Can you answer each one before the clock runs down?

Activity: Beat the clock

2. Think about multiplication as scaling

You can also help your child by introducing the idea of multiplication as scaling in the real world. Scaling is used when we use multiplication to change the size of the original quantity. For example:

‘If you have saved £32 and I have saved three times as much as you, how much money have I saved?’   ‘If you are 5 years old and I am 6 times older than you, how old am I?’

3. Use different methods

Your child will be taught a range of mental and informal methods to solve multiplication problems at school, as well as more formal methods including column multiplication.

To practise these methods, choose a multiplication problem and have you and your child work out the answer out independently. Compare your methods. Did you use the same strategies to solve the problem? Try each other’s method. Discuss which one you both preferred and why.

Are there any other ways we could have worked out the answer? Being able to use several methods will mean they can always use the best one for any given question. By practising lots of different ways of multiplying numbers, you help them gain confidence with formal and informal methods.

4. Use arrays

Arrays are shapes or objects arranged in a rectangle. Muffin trays and egg boxes are examples of arrays.

Give your child a specific number of objects and ask them to make an array. When they have made an array, ask your child to write as many calculations as they can using the array. For example, using 12 counters, your child could make the following array:

The following calculations could be made using this array:

4 + 4 + 4 = 12 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 4 × 3 = 12 3 × 4 = 12 12 ÷ 4 = 3 12 ÷ 3 = 4

Challenge your child to make as many arrays as they can using the 12 counters.

5. Find connections in multiplication and division

Being able to make connections between multiplication and division is helpful for solving problems. Encourage your child to explore the connections between multiplication, arrays, and repeated addition. In terms of division, encourage your child to:

• Explore grouping and sharing structures of division and arrays
• Explore the relationship between division and repeated subtraction
• See the connections between fractions and division (for example, 40 ÷ 2 = 20 , so 20 is half of 40 ).

Help your child use their knowledge of  commutativity  and inverse relationships to solve sums. For example:

If your child knows that 4 × 5 = 20, then they know 5 × 4 = 20 because multiplication is commutative (i.e. it can be done in any order).   If your child knows that 4 × 5 = 20, then they know 20 ÷ 5 = 4 and 20 ÷ 4 = 5 because multiplication and division are inverse operations.

Arrays also provide a great opportunity for children to explore the connections between multiplication and addition, as well as multiplication and division.  Give your child a multiplication calculation from the 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 or 10 times tables and ask them to tell you or write down any other related addition, multiplication or division facts. Talking through how they know each fact will help them to understand how the operations relate to each other.

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20 Word Problems For Year 3: Develop Their Problem Solving Skills Across Single and Mixed KS2 Topics

Emma Johnson

Word problems for Year 3 are an important tool for improving number fluency. The key focus in maths in Year 3 of primary school is on ensuring pupils are becoming more fluent with number facts and the concept of place value. Children are starting to develop more efficient written methods by this stage and are beginning to carry out calculations with increasingly larger whole numbers.

As children progress through school, they are exposed to a wider variety of problem solving questions covering a range of concepts. In Year 3 maths these include the four operations, fractions, measures and statistics.  

It is important that children are regularly exposed to reasoning and problem solving questions, alongside the fluency work each lesson. It is also important to remember that all children need exposure to reasoning and problem solving questions, not just the higher attaining pupils who finish quickest.

We have put together a collection of 20 word problems, aimed at Year 3 pupils.

Years 3 to 6 Rapid Reasoning (Weeks 1-6)

Download this free pack of word problems to improve your class' problem solving skills. Includes questions for Years 3 - 6.

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In Year 3, pupils focus on one-step problems, covering a range of topics across the National Curriculum. At this stage the majority of word problems pupils are tackling will have one-step, but they may also start to be introduced to simple two-step word problems. Here is a breakdown of topics that will be covered and expectations in Year 3. 

Solve number problems and practical problems involving recognising the place value of each digit of a 3-digit number; comparing and ordering numbers up to 1000 and identifying, representing and estimating numbers using different representations.

Solve problems, including missing number problems, using number facts, place value and more complex addition and subtraction word problems .

Solve problems, including missing number problems, involving multiplication and division, including positive integer scaling problems and correspondence problems

 Solve problems involving counting in tenths; recognising unit and non-unit fractions; recognising equivalent fractions and adding/ subtracting fractions with the same denominator.

Solve problems involving length, volume and mass; adding and subtracting within money word problems ; perimeter and problems involving time.

Solve-step and two-step questions (For example, ‘How many more?’ and ‘How many fewer’?) using information presented in scaled bar charts, pictograms and tables.

By Year 3, children are starting to learn how to use some of the formal written methods of addition and subtraction. It is important that the link between maths in school and maths in real-life continues to be made. Word problems are a key element in helping pupils to make this link. 

When teaching maths problems to Year 3, it’s important to think of ways to make them fun, engaging and something the children are able to relate to. This might include acting out the problem, using concrete resources and providing visual images, to bring the problems to life. 

Benefits of pairs, groups and class discussion 

Children should have plenty of opportunity to talk in pairs, groups and as a whole class, to share their understanding of what is being asked and their strategies for solving the problem. As with Key Stage One, the use of manipulatives is important and all children should have access to a range of maths resources when solving problems like this.

Pupils need to be encouraged to read word problems carefully and to make sure they understand what is being asked, before attempting to tackle the problem. This is where the use of a partner and group discussion can really help children’s understanding. Students then need to think about what they already know and how they can use this to help them answer the question. Where appropriate, pupils should also be encouraged to draw diagrams and pictures to help them solve the question.

Here is an example:

Mason needs 4 apples to make an apple pie.

If he has 28 apples. How many apple pies can he make?

How to solve:

What do you already know?

• We know 4 apples are needed to make an apple pie.
• We are told how many apples Mason has in total, so we must have to divide the total number by 4.
• In year 3, children should be building confidence with multiplication and division facts for the 4 times table, so some will be able to quickly recall these facts to solve the problem.
• Children who aren’t apple to recall quickly could use counters to represent the apples, or draw a bar model to help solve it.

How can this be drawn/represented pictorially?

We can draw a bar model or counters to represent this problem:

• To calculate how pies the 28 apples will make, we can either use or draw 28 counters and put them into groups of 4. We can see that 28 counters will make 7 groups of 4.
• Using the bar model, we can keep adding 4 to the bar until we reach 28. From the bar we can see that 7 x 4 = 28.
• 7 apple pies can be made from the 28 apple pies that Mason has.

In Year 3, pupils are exposed to a range of addition word problems , including problems involving mental addition and addition of up to 3-digits using formal written methods.

See also: Mental maths Year 3

Addition question 1

A family driving on holiday, travel 146 miles from home to the first service station.

They then drive a further 175 miles to reach their destination.

How far have they travelled altogether?

Answer (1 mark): 321 miles

146 + 175 = 321

Addition question 2

Evie is buying a bottle of drink from a vending machine. She has put in 40p. The vending machine shows she still needs to put in £1.25. 

How much is the bottle of drink?

Answer (1 mark): £1.65

125p + 40p = 165p

Addition question 3

Jamie scored 643 on his new online game.

Jared scored 468.

How many points did they score between them?

Answer (1 mark): 1111 points

643 + 468 = 1111

At Third Space Learning we often tie word problems into our one-to-one online tuition. With each programme personalised to the needs of each individual student, children are able to develop their problem solving skills, maths fluency and grow confidence in maths.

Subtraction word problems in Year 3 also need to comprise of a combination of mental calculation questions and those involving formal written subtraction up to 3-digits. Children should also be starting to estimate answers and check their calculations by using the inverse.

Subtraction question 1

Ahmed collects 374 stickers.

He needs 526 stickers to fill his sticker album.

How many more stickers does he need to collect?

Answer (1 mark): 152 stickers

526 – 374 = 152

Subtraction question 2

 A bag of carrots weigh 360g

A bag of tomatoes weighs 235g.

How much heavier is the bag of carrots?

Answer (1 mark): 125g

360 – 235 = 125

Subtraction question 3

 Ahmed buys a bag of sweets for £1.45.

He has a £2 coin. How much change will he get?

Answer (1 mark): 55p

200 – 145 or count up from £1.45 to £2

By the end of Year 3, pupils should be able to recall and use multiplication facts for the 3, 4 and 8 times table. They should also be starting to progress to using the formal written method for solving multiplication word problems involving 2 digits multiplied by a 1-digit number. 

Multiplication question 1

It costs £7 for a cinema ticket

Amber’s mum pays for Amber and her 3 friends. 

How much does she pay for all the tickets?

Answer (1 mark): £28

7 x 4 = 28 

Multiplication question 2

5 mini buses are used to take Year 3 pupils on a school trip.

Each minibus transports 15 children.

How many children go on the school trip?

Answer (1 mark): 75 children

15 x 5 = 75

Multiplication question 3

There are 24 questions on a word problems worksheet. 

A group of 8 children each complete the worksheet.

How many questions will the teacher be marking?

Answer (1 mark): 112 questions

24 x 8 = 112

In Year 3, pupils will need to learn the division facts for the 3, 4 and 8 multiplication tables. At this stage, pupils are required to learn the formal method for division, division word problems will involve mainly mental calculations.

Division question 1

6 children share 18 cookies between them. 

How many cookies does each child get?

 Answer (1 mark): 3 cookies

Division question 2

The school choir needs to travel to the concert hall.

There are 32 children in the choir and parents have been asked to help transport the children.

Each parent is able to take 4 children in their car. How many cars will be needed to get all the children to the concert?

Answer (1 mark): 8 cars

 32 ÷ 4 = 8

Division question 3

 Cakes come in packs of 4.

If Jessica needs 36 cakes for her party, how many packs does she need to buy?

Answer (1 mark): 9 packs

In Year 3 pupils are exposed to a range of fraction word problems , including questions involving counting up and down in tenths; equivalent fractions and adding/subtracting fractions with the same denominator.

Fraction question 1

Jude had 28 sweets.

He gave \frac{1}{4} of his sweets to his little sister.

How many did he have left?

Answer (1 mark): 21 sweets

\frac{1}{4} of 28 = 7

\frac{3}{4} of 28 = 21 or 28 – 7 = 21

Fraction question 2

Khalifa ate \frac{2}{8} of the chocolate bar and Abdulrahman ate \frac{3}{8} of it.

How much chocolate did they have left?

Answer (1 mark): \frac{3}{8}

\frac{2}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{5}{8} eaten

\frac{8}{8} – \frac{5}{8} = \frac{3}{8}

Fraction question 3

 Molly ate half of a pizza and Rosie ate \frac{3}{6} .

Who ate the most?

Answer (1 mark): They both ate the same amount

\frac{3}{6} is equivalent to \frac{1}{2} .

In Year 3 time word problems may be incorporated into maths problem solving. Students are expected to know time vocabulary, be able to compare time in terms of seconds, minutes and hours and know how many seconds are in a minute and minutes are in an hour. 

Time question 1

The Smith family are driving to the beach.

They leave at 9:05am and arrive at 9:50am.

How long does the journey take them?

Answer (1 mark): 45 minutes

50 – 5 = 45    or     count up from 9:05 to 9:50 = 45 

Time question 2

Holly puts her cake in the oven at 4:22pm and takes it out again at 4:47. 

How long is the cake baking for?

Answer (1 mark): 25 minutes

47 – 22 = 25    or   count up from 4:22 to 4:47

When children first move into lower Key Stage 2, word problems are predominantly one-step. As they become more confident they can be exposed to more word problems, requiring a second step or multi-step word problems .

Multi-step question 1

Oliver had 3 bags of sweets.

Each bag contained 15 sweets.

If he shared the sweets between him and 4 friends, how many sweets would they all 5 of them get?

Answer (2 marks): 9 sweets

3 x 15 = 45 

45  ÷ 5 = 9

Multi-step question 2

A teacher photocopies 95 maths worksheets and 80 English worksheets in one week.

Teachers can print a maximum of 300 worksheets per week. 

How many can the teacher print for other subjects.

Answer (2 marks): 125 worksheets

 95 + 80 = 175

300 – 175 = 125

Multi-step question 3

Three friends go trick or treating. They add all their sweets together and share them out, so they all have an equal number of sweets.

If Ben gets 34 sweets, Sophie gets 28 and Maisie gets 22 sweets. How many will they each get, once they have put them together and shared them out?

Answer (2 marks): 28 sweets each

34 + 28 + 22 = 84 sweets

84  ÷ 3 = 28

We hope that this collection of word problems for Year 3 becomes a useful resource in your Year 3 maths classroom. For more Year 3 maths resources, take a look at our library of Year 3 maths worksheets .

Third Space Learning also offers a wide array of maths and word problems resources for other year groups such as word problems for year 6 , word problems for Year 5 and word problems for year 4 . Our practice word problems cover all four operations and include more specific topics such as percentage word problems and ratio word problems .

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Year 3 – Multiplication and Division

Welcome to Year 3 Multiplication and Division at Primary Maths Hub. Here you will find a growing library of outstanding resources and activities to support  Multiplication and Division  lessons in Year 3 and at home.  

If there’s a resource you’d like to see here, just visit our ‘Request a Resource’ page and Primary Maths Hub will create the resource and add it to the site.

Do Now Tasks / Starters

Two Times Table Do Now Tasks

Three Times Table Do Now Tasks

Four Times Table Do Now Tasks

Five Times Table Do Now Tasks

Eight Times Table Do Now Tasks

Ten Times Table Do Now Tasks

Short multiplication.

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 2 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 3 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 4 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 5 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 6 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 7 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 8 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 9 Times Tables

Short Multiplication- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- Mixed Times Tables

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 2 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 3 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 4 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 5 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 6 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 7 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 8 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – 9 Times Table

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Short Multiplication – Mixed Tables

Strips- 2 Times Table

Strips- 3 Times Table

Strips- 4 Times Table

Strips- 5 Times Table

Strips- 8 Times Table

Strips- 10 Times Table

Short division.

Short Division- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 2 Times Tables

Short Division- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 3 Times Tables

Short Division- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- 4 Times Tables

Short Division- 2 Digit by 1 Digit- Mixed Times Tables

Using known facts.

Multiply Using Known Facts to 1,000

Divide Using Known Facts to 1,000

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Divide Using Known Facts to 1000

Faded Scaffolding Strips- Multiply Using Known Facts to 1000

Equality and inequality statements.

Equality and Inequality Statement Matching- 2, 5, 10, 2, 4, 8 Times Tables

Word Problems and Challenges

Multiplication Word Problems

Division Word Problems

Resources to support multiplication and division.

Short Multiplication- Steps to Success

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Year 3 Multiplication and division word problems

Subject: Mathematics

Age range: 7-11

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Step 1: Start with Division Vocabulary

Step 2: introduce long division layout, step 3: demonstrate with an examples, step 4: practice without bringing down zeros, step 5: teach bringing down zeros, step 6: explain problems with remainders.

Long division can be challenging for kids because it involves many steps and new vocabulary, making it easy to lose track of the process. This complexity often confuses students, especially when bringing down digits or handling remainders. Teaching long division step by step helps kids understand it better. This guide on “ how to teach long division to kids ” will provide clear steps to simplify learning for kids, making it less overwhelming.

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What Should My Child Know Before Learning Long Division?

Before diving into teaching long division, children must have a solid foundation in several key areas. These pre-requisites ensure that they are prepared for the complexities of long division:

• Understanding Multiplication: Kids should be comfortable with multiplication facts up to 12. This knowledge is fundamental because long division requires frequent multiplication to check and subtract products during the division steps.

Here are some fun activities to brush up your child’s understanding of multiplication facts:

• Basic Division Concepts: Ensure children understand the concept of division as sharing or grouping equally. They should be able to perform simple division tasks without remainders, using numbers that are easy to handle.

Here are some fun activities to brush up your child’s understanding of division facts:

• Familiarity with Subtraction: Subtraction is a significant part of the long division process, used to find the difference after multiplying the divisor. Children should be confident in subtracting large numbers, as they will need to do this repeatedly in each step of long division.

Assess how well your kids are versed with subtraction with these fun subtraction games :

• Number Sense: Good number sense , or an understanding of how numbers work and relate to each other, helps children anticipate the results of multiplication and division, making the process of long division smoother and more intuitive.

Ensuring kids are proficient in these areas makes teaching long division more effective, setting them up for success.

How to Teach Long Division in 6 Steps

Before learning the steps of long division, kids need to understand the key terms used throughout the process. Knowing these will help them follow long division strategies more easily.

• Dividend: This is the number being divided in the problem. In the long division layout, the dividend is written inside the long division bracket (often called the “house”).
• Divisor: The number dividing the dividend is called the divisor . The divisor is placed outside the long division bracket.
• Quotient: The quotient is the answer or the result of the division problem. This is written above the bracket, aligned with the digits of the dividend being divided.
• Remainder: If the division isn’t exact, there’s an amount left over called the remainder . The remainder is written as “R” followed by the remaining value after the division process.

Setting up a long division problem correctly is an essential skill for kids to learn. Here’s how to structure it visually:

• Write the Dividend Inside: Start by placing the dividend (the number being divided) inside the long division bracket, often called the “house.” This makes it clear that this number is the one being split into smaller groups.
• Place the Divisor Outside: Write the divisor (the number doing the dividing) outside, to the left of the bracket. This shows which number will be used repeatedly to divide the dividend into smaller groups.
• Draw Lines for the Quotient: The space above the bracket is where the quotient (the result of the division) will be written. Each digit of the quotient will align above the digit or digits of the dividend that are being divided.

1: Set Up the Problem

Write 1564 under the division bar and 27 outside the division bar.

• Look at the first two digits of the dividend (15). Since 15 is less than 27, we need to include the next digit, making it 156.
• Now, determine how many times 27 can fit into 156. 27 goes into 156 a total of 5 times because 27 multiplied by 6 (the next higher number) would exceed 156.

3. Multiply

• Multiply the quotient digit found (5) by the divisor (27), which equals 135.
• Write 135 under 156.

4. Subtract

• Subtract 135 from 156, which equals 21.
• Write 21 below 135.

5. Bring Down

Bring down the next digit of the dividend (the 4 in 1564), making the new number 214.

6. Repeat the Process

• Determine how many times 27 can fit into 214. It fits 7 times (since 27 multiplied by 8 exceeds 214).
• Multiply 27 by 7 (the next quotient digit) to get 189.
• Write 189 under 214, and subtract to find the difference: 214 – 189 = 25.

7. Remainder

• Since there are no more digits to bring down, 25 is the remainder.
• The complete quotient is 57 with a remainder of 25.

After understanding the layout, kids can apply what they’ve learned by playing these games in, each focusing on different levels of difficulty: 

• Dividing 2-Digit Numbers by 1-Digit

• Dividing 3-Digit Numbers by 1-Digit

• Dividing 4-Digit Numbers by 1-Digit

• Divide 4-Digit By 2-Digit Numbers

To build a strong foundation in long division, it’s crucial for children to practice problems where they bring down each digit consecutively without the complication of zeros . This helps them focus on mastering the basic steps of division:

Sequential Bringing Down: Start with simpler numbers where each digit in the dividend needs to be brought down one at a time. This practice solidifies their understanding of the division process step by step.

Example Problems:

• 21 ÷ 3: Begin by dividing the first digit. Since 2 divided by 3 doesn’t work, we use 21. 21 divided by 3 equals 7, so 7 is written above the division bar.
• 154 ÷ 7: Start with the first digit. 1 divided by 7 is not possible, so consider the first two digits, 15. 15 divided by 7 equals 2. Write 2 above the division bar, multiply 2 by 7 (which is 14), subtract 14 from 15 to get 1, then bring down the next digit to make it 14. Continue this way.

Handling zeros can be tricky, but it’s one of the key ways to teach long division. Here’s how to approach problems involving zeros:

Example: 120 ÷ 4

• Divide: Start by dividing the first non-zero digit. Since 1 is smaller than 4, look at the first two digits, 12. Divide 12 by 4 to get 3.
• Write the Quotient: Write 3 above the long division bracket.
• Multiply and Subtract: Multiply 3 by 4 (giving 12) and subtract this from 12, leaving 0.
• Bring Down Zeros: Bring down the next digit, which is 0, making it 0. Divide this 0 by 4 to get 0. Write 0 next to the 3 in the quotient.
• Multiply and Subtract: Multiply 0 by 4 to get 0 and subtract, leaving no remainder.

In some cases, division doesn’t result in an even quotient. This means there’s an amount leftover, called a remainder. Here’s how to handle it:

Example: 29 ÷ 4

• Divide: Start by dividing the first digit, 2, by 4. Since 2 is smaller than 4, consider the first two digits, 29.
• Find the Quotient: Divide 29 by 4 to get 7. Write 7 above the long division bracket.
• Multiply and Subtract: Multiply 7 by 4, which gives 28. Subtract 28 from 29, leaving 1.
• Write the Remainder: Since there’s nothing left to bring down, write “R1” (remainder of 1) next to the 7.

Knowing how to recognize and handle remainders is one of the essential long division tricks that help kids understand why not all division problems divide evenly. 

5 Fun Ways to Teach Long Division

Practicing long division is crucial for reinforcing the steps and strategies. Here are five effective ways to help kids master this skill:

• Online Long Division Games 

Use interactive online games that challenge students to solve division problems step-by-step. These games make learning fun while providing instant feedback to help them understand mistakes.

• Long Division Worksheets

Provide worksheets that start with simpler problems and progressively increase in complexity. Use colorful designs and real-world scenarios to keep kids engaged.

Create or find flashcards that present division problems on one side and answers on the other. This simple tool is a quick way to reinforce division facts and promote speedy calculations.

• Real-Life Problems

Apply division concepts to real-world situations, like dividing treats among friends or organizing items into equal groups. This practical approach makes long division relatable.

• Group Activities

Collaborative exercises where kids work together to solve division problems encourage discussion and peer learning. This can help clarify challenging steps and foster teamwork.

Learning long division can be challenging, but kids can grasp the concept effectively with clear steps, consistent practice, and engaging resources like games and worksheets. With these strategies on how to teach long division, children will build confidence and become proficient problem-solvers at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an easy way to learn division.

An easy way to learn division is by starting with simple problems and using visual aids like counters or drawings to illustrate the process. Gradually move to more complex problems as confidence builds.

What are some tips for teaching long division to struggling students?

Break down the steps into smaller, manageable parts, and offer lots of practice with engaging resources like games and worksheets. Provide positive reinforcement to encourage their progress and address specific challenges with patience.

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You'll Have No Words Seeing This Precious 2-Year-Old Genius Do Multiplication on AGT

Simon Cowell pleads, “Get us a calculator!” and asks Baby Dev to negotiate his next deal in this incredible AGT Season 19 Audition.

While most toddlers are stacking blocks and coloring with crayons, this pint-sized genius does addition, subtraction, and multiplication on national television.

How to Watch

Watch America’s Got Talent Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock . 

Devan is the youngest Act ever to light up the America’s Got Talent stage, and in the Season 19 premiere, we can see why. The sweet boy knocked everyone’s socks off as he sailed through three different math equations that, to be honest, had the Judges stumped .

“We’re all sitting here thinking the same thing: get us a calculator,” said Simon Cowell after the performance, adding, “I now feel really stupid.”

RELATED:  Who Are the America's Got Talent Season 19 Judges?

Baby Dev’s father, Duane, a retired police officer, told NBC Insider he noticed something very special about his son early on: “At 4 months old, we realized his love for numbers.”

Duane explained that when he exposed his son to early learning shows, Baby Dev would suddenly cry when they switched away from math. “And when we turned it back, he would stop. We’re like, all right, he has this love and passion for numbers,” he said.

How old is Baby Devan?

Devan is 2 years old, the youngest-ever contestant on AGT . 

From the moment Baby Dev fist-bumped Terry Crews backstage before his Season 19 debut, AGT fans were charmed. The precious boy laughed, jumped, and squealed with delight after solving equations and politely saying “hello” and “thank you” to the Judges while on stage with his proud dad.

“His first word before mama and dada was seven,” Duane told the Judges. “That’s my lucky number,” exclaimed Simon. And it seemed to be Baby Dev’s, too. Three whiteboards were set up on stage — two for multiplication and one for addition — with Judges calling out random numbers. When Baby Dev quickly solved 7 x 9, there was a stunned silence before the crowd erupted in applause.

How did Devan develop his math skills?

Duane explained to NBC Insider how he nurtured his son’s penchant for math.

“At age 1, we had bought him a writing tablet. We would practice writing numbers with him from 1 to 10… and we would practice writing every day, and by 15 months old, he knew how to write numbers on his own.” After mastering addition, the math prodigy moved on to subtraction and his times tables.

“We can just be in bed, and he’ll be like… ‘Math, please. I wanna do math, please,’ and then he’ll go to his writing board and just do math equations,” said his dad, who noted that the little boy always loved counting everything. “Cars on the street, birds, trees… he has number magnets that he carries with him like it’s a toy.”

Baby Dev does not receive formal tutoring, and as one audience member pointed out, “He’s not even using his fingers” to count. However, he might have one strict requirement when calculating: Not being interrupted. As Baby Dev tackled a math problem and jotted down numbers, Howie Mandel loudly whispered, “We get to see the process.”

We can just be in bed, and he’ll be like… ‘Math, please. I wanna do math, please!’” Duane, Baby Dev's dad

The toddler shot him a look that could freeze water. After a long pause and some shushing directed toward Mandel, Baby Dev continued on and solved the final equation. He was unanimously voted on to the next round — but he may have something extra on his plate, too.

When Simon asked, “Devon, will you help me negotiate my next deal?” the little cutie responded, “Yes!”

Obviously this charming youngster moved on to the next round of the competition where fans are surely eager to see what mathematical wizardry he'll come up with next. 

Watch all-new episodes of  America’s Got Talent , airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC   and streaming the next day on  Peacock .

-  Reporting by McKenzie Jean-Philippe

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