Question 1166936
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<pre>

Let x be the middle odd number between the smallest and the largest.


Then you have this equation


    (x-2)*(x+2) = 357,   or

     x^2 - 4 = 357

     x^2 = 357 + 4 = 361

     x = {{{sqrt(361)}}} = 19.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  The three numbers are 17, 19 and 21.
</pre>

Solved.


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Notice how this introduction of the middle value as a major unknown facilitates the solution.


MEMORIZE this trick --- it works and is useful in many similar problems (!)