Once upon a time there lived a rich Arab. Then he died. In his will he left 17 camels to his three sons to be divided among them in the following proportion.

• The Eldest son was to have1/2of the camels
• The Second son was to have1/3 rdof the camels
• The Youngest son was to have1/9 thof the camels

At his death the sons started to divide the camels, and a great argument took place as each one naturally wished his full number of camels which they agreed was:

• for the Eldest1/2of 17 = 81/2camels.
• for the Second1/3of 17 = 52/3 rdscamels.
• for the Youngest1/9of 17 = 18/9 thscamels.

They were wrath. The only way they could see to square it, was to cut up some of the camels. Hearing this the camels were also wrath.

But lo, it came to pass as they were sharpening their knives that another rich Arab merchant came from across the desert with a large following of baggage camels, and on hearing the cause of dispute said he could settle it in such a way, that each would have his full share, and no camels would be cut up and this was how the wise man from the East proceeded.

To the 17 camels to be divided he added one from his own baggage camels which all agreed made 18 camels now to be divided, although one of the brothers thought the additional camel such a poor specimen as to be only worth half a camel. “Oh foolish little ones, surely thou knowest thou shouldest not look a gift camel in the mouth?” and without further ado the wise man from the east decreed that the three brothers should receive that proportion of the camels intended by their father as follows.

• The Eldest son received1/2of 18 camels = 9 camels.
• The Second son received1/3of 18 camels = 6 camels.
• The Youngest received1/9of 18 camels = 2 camels.
• Total camels distributed = 17.

So the wise man took back his own camel and, the dispute being satisfactorily settled, went on his way, and the three sons marvelled greatly at his wisdom. And they aren't the only ones!