In the latter part of the Sung Dynasty, a Chinese philosopher returned from the market with a basket of 17 eggs. “Half of your eggs belong to me,” said his wife. “I get a third,” said his son. “And by ancient custom," explained the maid, “I am entitled to one ninth.” How did the old philosopher solve the problem without breaking an egg?

Hint: Imagine the conclusion. What number of eggs could be divided by 2, 3 and 9?