A started a business. After 4 months from the start of the business, B and C joined. The respective ratio between the investments of A, B and C was 4: 6: 5. If A’s share in annual profit was Rs. 250 more than C’s share, what was the total annual profit earned?

In partnership problems, profit is distributed in proportion to investment × time. A invested for 12 months, B and C for 8 months each. Effective investment ratios: A = 4×12 = 48, B = 6×8 = 48, C = 5×8 = 40. Total = 136. A's share = 48/136 × P, C's share = 40/136 × P. Difference = (8/136)P = Rs. 250. Solving: P = 250 × 136/8 = 250 × 17 = Rs. 4250.