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Workings

Hint
There are two different methods, one involves a cube root, and the other doesn't require a calculator.

Answer
9 x 11 x 13.

Reasoning #1
We're after three numbers that multiply together, so 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. Trying the odd numbers either side of 11 might work.

Trying either 9 or 13 gives the answer:

   9 x 11 x 13 = 1,287

Trying the closest odd number to the cube root always works, and the other two numbers are the odd numbers either side.

Reasoning #2
We after three numbers that multiply together, but none of these can end in 5 (otherwise our answer would end in 0 or 5).

So, they can only end in 7, 9, 1 (e.g. 87, 89, 91), or 9, 1, 3 (e.g. 89, 91, 93).

However, if they ended in 7, 9, 1, the answer would end in 3 (because 7 x 9 x 1 = 63).

Therefore, they end in 9, 1, and 3 (because 9 x 1 x 3 = 27).

The first numbers we can try are 9, 11, 13:

   = 9 x 11 x 13
   = 99 x 13
   = 100 x 13 − 13
   = 1300 − 13
   = 1,287

A calculator is not required!

Workings

Hint
Be careful!

Answer
If you think that you are now in first place, then think again!

If you overtake the person in second place, you are now in second place yourself!

Workings

Hints
The first letters of the words are: F, T, W, S, F, T, T, T, S, M.

Answers
Fluffy Tiger Whiskers Spot Felix Tom Tabby Tiddles Socks Mittens

Workings

Hint
How can we write this time and date?

Answer
The time and day became:

12:34 5/6/78 (in UK format)

In US format, this happened on the 6^th of May.