Three partners A, B and C entered into a business. A invested one-third of the capital for one-third duration. B invested one-fou…

Quantitative Aptitude ·Previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026

View the full solved paper: GS Paper II

Question

Three partners A, B and C entered into a business. A invested one-third of the capital for one-third duration. B invested one-fourth of the capital for one-fourth duration. C invested the remaining capital for the whole duration. Out of a profit of ₹17,000, how much profit will C get?

  1. A. ₹12,000 (Correct answer)
  2. B. ₹10,000
  3. C. ₹12,500
  4. D. ₹10,750

Correct Answer

Option A — ₹12,000

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A (₹12,000).

Key Points

  • Profit shares ∝ capital × time. A: ⅓ × ⅓ = 1/9; B: ¼ × ¼ = 1/16; C: remaining capital (1 − ⅓ − ¼ = 5/12) × full time = 5/12.
  • Bringing to a common scale (×144): A : B : C = 16 : 9 : 60, total 85.
  • C's share = (60/85) × 17,000 = ₹12,000.

Additional Information

  • C's much larger capital-time product dominates, giving Option A.