In a peaceful valley nestled between high mountains, lived three brothers named Arjun, Vikram, and Karan. Their father had been a successful shepherd who owned a flock of 17 fine sheep. When their father passed away, the brothers were left with a very puzzling inheritance.
Their father's will stated specific portions for each son. Arjun, the eldest, was to receive exactly half of the flock. Vikram, the middle brother, was to receive one-third of the flock. Karan, the youngest, was to receive one-ninth of the flock. The brothers sat together, scratching their heads. How could they divide 17 sheep into halves, thirds, and ninths without cutting them? They were worried that this disagreement would break their bond.
Seeking help, they traveled to a wise old man known for his brilliant mind. The old man read the will slowly and smiled. "Do not worry, my sons. There is a way to honor your father's wishes perfectly," he said.
To solve the problem, the wise man brought his own sheep from his pen and added it to their flock. "Now, you have 18 sheep," he announced. He turned to Arjun and said, "As per the will, take half of the total. That is 9 sheep." Arjun happily took his 9 sheep. Then he looked at Vikram and said, "One-third of 18 is 6. Take your 6 sheep." Vikram was pleased with his share. Finally, he spoke to Karan, "One-ninth of 18 is 2. Take your 2 sheep." Karan gratefully accepted his 2 sheep.
The brothers quickly realized that 9 plus 6 plus 2 equaled exactly 17 sheep! The one extra sheep that made the math work was the old man's own sheep, which he calmly took back. The brothers were amazed by his cleverness and thanked him for preserving their peace and their father's legacy.
Moral
Wisdom and a calm mind can solve even the most confusing problems.
