Gary has 10 coins in his pocket.
• 2 quarters
• 5 dimes
• 3 nickels
Without looking, Gary pulls one coin from his pocket and puts it on a table. Then, he pulls one more coin from his pocket. What is the probability that the first coin is a dime and the second coin is a nickel?

Question

Gary has 10 coins in his pocket.
• 2 quarters
• 5 dimes
• 3 nickels
Without looking, Gary pulls one coin from his pocket and puts it on a table. Then, he pulls one more coin from his pocket. What is the probability that the first coin is a dime and the second coin is a nickel?

anonymous · Answer

Okay, the probability for the first coin dime is:

  5/10 

   or
 
  1/2 

There are nine coins left so the probability of getting a nickel is:
  
  3/9 

   or
   
  1/3 

Multiply the two numbers. 

(1/2) * (1/3) = 1/6 

The answer is 1/6.