Answer:
Option C: -$1500 is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Given that:
Total amount invested in business = $24,000
Loss suffered in first quarter = $4500
As the amount is shared by Brian, Steve and Rita equally, therefore,
Loss of each person =

Loss of each person =

As loss is defined by decrease in the investment,
Loss of each person = -$1500
Hence,
Option C: -$1500 is the correct answer.