Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This is a partnership problem where the profit distribution depends on two factors: the amount of capital invested and the duration for which it was invested.
We need to calculate the effective investment of A, B, and C over a period of one year (12 months).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The ratio of profit distribution is equal to the ratio of the product of (Investment \(\times\) Time).
\[\text{Profit Ratio} = (I_A \times T_A) : (I_B \times T_B) : (I_C \times T_C)\]
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Assigning Investment Values:
- Let the investment of A be \(3x\).
- Let the investment of B be \(5x\).
- C invests an amount equal to B, so C's investment is also \(5x\).
Determining Time Periods:
- A and B started the business and stayed for the full year. So, \(T_A = 12\) months and \(T_B = 12\) months.
- C joined after 6 months. In a 12-month year, C's money was invested for \(12 - 6 = 6\) months. So, \(T_C = 6\) months.
Calculating Profit Ratios:
- A's share \(\propto 3x \times 12 = 36x\)
- B's share \(\propto 5x \times 12 = 60x\)
- C's share \(\propto 5x \times 6 = 30x\)
Simplifying the Ratio:
- The ratio is \(36x : 60x : 30x\).
- Dividing by \(x\): \(36 : 60 : 30\).
- Dividing by the common factor 6:
\(36 \div 6 = 6\)
\(60 \div 6 = 10\)
\(30 \div 6 = 5\)
- The final ratio is \(6 : 10 : 5\).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The profit should be distributed among A, B, and C in the ratio \(6 : 10 : 5\).