Can you find three consecutive odd numbers that...
...total 1,287 when multiplied together?
Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone
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Hint
Try starting with the cube root of the number.
Answer
9 x 11 x 13.
Reasoning
Since we're after three numbers that multiply together, a good place to start is the cube root of 1,287, which is roughly 10.88.
Let's try dividing by the closest odd number to 10.88:
1287 ÷ 11 = 117
We're now after whole divisors of 117, so trying either odd number either side of 11 might work.
Trying either 9 or 13 gives the answer.
Double-Checking
9 x 11 x 13 = 1,287
Note
Trying the closest odd number to the cube root always works, and the other two numbers are the odd numbers either side.
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