Dividing the Odd Camel!

- Yamini Vasudevan

There was once a merchant who was ill and knew he would not be alive for much longer. So, he called his three sons to his bedside. "My sons, all I have to leave behind is some camels. I want you to divide these camels among yourselves in the following manner: the oldest shall have half, the middle-born one-third, and the youngest shall have one-ninth."

The sons were concerned for their father's health, and did not pay much attention to the division of assets. After their father died and the time came to divide the camels, they had a funny puzzle on their hands for their father had left behind 17 camels! How did one halve that? One of their uncles, after hearing about the problem, told them to go and see their old teacher. He said they would get a solution there.

The three brothers went to the teacher's house and told him everything. The teacher said, "Here is your solution: I will add one of my camels to your lot. So, you now have 18 camels. Out of these, the oldest will get half, or nine camels. The second will get a third of, or six camels. The youngest will receive one-ninth, or two camels. That makes 17 camels in all. Now that your problem is solved, I will take my camel back!"

The brothers impressed with the solution, went home, happy with each of their shares.