Once upon a time there lived an Arab Sultan who died. In his will he left his 17 camels to his three sons to be divided among them in the following proportion.
The Eldest to have a 1/2 of the number
The Second to have a 1/3rd of the number
The Third to have a 1/9th of the number

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 was for the
Eldest 1/2 of 17 = 81/2 camels.
Second 1/3 of 17 = 52/3rds camels.
Youngest 1/9 of 17 = 18/9ths camels.
and the only way they could see of squaring it, was to start and cut some of the camels up.

But it so happened that just at this time, an Arab merchant came from across the desert with a large following of baggage camels, and on hearing the cause of the dispute said he could settle it in such a way, that each would have more than his share, and no camels would be cut up and this was how this wise man from the East did it.

He placed the 17 camels, that had to be divided, on one side, and took one of his own baggage camels and placed it with the 17, which made 18 camels now to be divided, which he did as follows, and gave to the
Eldest his 1/2 of 18 = 9 camels.
Second his 1/3 of 18 = 6 camels.
Youngest his 1/9 of 18 = 2 camels.
which made 17.

He then took his own camel back again and the dispute being now satisfactorily settled, he departed on his way, and the three sons marvelled at his wisdom.