Question

Sam has 8 quarters, 5 dimes, and 3 Nicole's in his pocket. If one coin is selected random, what is the probability that it will not be a quarter

Answer 1

There are a total of 16 coins, so out of the ratio, that 16 goes on the bottom.  Now you have to add up the coins that are NOT quarters and that number goes on the top.  So your ratio is 8/16 or 1/2