The 33 1/3 second mystery #11
 

Many years ago, a wealthy mid-easterner passed away, leaving his estate of 17 camels to his three sons. The eldest was to receive half the camels, the second son a third, and the youngest son, one-ninth, according to the will.

Sons and legal advisors could come to no resolution without cutting up a camel, which they viewed as cruel.

Failing in their efforts, the question was taken to the Pharoah, who listened for a moment, and offered a solution none had considered.

What was it?

Either they share the camels or they sell them and split the money.

split them up 9, 6, and 2

1/2 of 17 rounded up is 9
1/3 of 17 rounded up is 6
1/9 of 17 rounded up is 2

everyone gets more than what the will said thus everyone is happy

grind it up and open a sausage company.

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/9 is not 1...

That is why you need to round up. So everyone gets more than they are supposed to. But in the end you end up with exactly 17.

Basically it would be like they added one more so now they have 18. Then give away half (9), then 1/3 (6), then 1/9 (2). Then take away the one they added.

Adding one means you're giving away camels that aren't yours... the will could easily have stated "and the rest goes to xxxx charity"... what would the Pharaoh do then? :)

you add one then take it back in the end. So you don't actually add one.

Rekna wins the fuzzy bunny for this round.

The Pharoah loaned a camel to the family of the deceased, creating a number divisible as shown above, and once the 17 were distributed, took it back.

No, rsl12, Camel Breakfast links was not an acceptable option. :D Inventive, but not acceptable.