first work out the 'multiplier'
3 + 5 + 9 = 17 so Multiplier = 1/17
$558 is the largest share and that equals 9 * 1/17 of x where x is the total amount of money
9x / 17 = 558
x = (558 * 17) / 9 = $1054
So the smallest share = 3 /17 * 1054 = $186 Answer