Probability

15 coins, 6 nickels, 9 not nickels

Prob of first pick not a nickel = 9/15
Prob of second not being a nick = 8/14

(9/15)*(8/14) = 72/210 = 24/70 = 12/35

I am having difficulty with the possible AMBIGUITY of this Probability problem...

My interpretation of the Q, when it asks, "What is the probability of picking a coin other than a nickel twice in a row" is to also consider the possibility of picking a nickel ONCE during the two picks.

In summary, the picks could be:

(non-nickel, non-nickel)
(non-nickel, nickel)
(nickel, non-nickel)

But NOT (nickel, nickel)

I always have the most difficulty understanding what the question is asking for Probability-type questions. ARGH!!

Does anyone else have this problem too??

GMAT will never come up with something ambiguous. Best approach to these questions is not to think that they are trying to confuse you

A hand purse contains 6 nickels, 5 pennies and 4 dimes. What is the probability of picking a coin other than a nickel twice in a row if the first coin picked is not put back?

This can be rephrased as -

A hand purse contains 6 nickels, 5 pennies and 4 dimes. What is the probability of picking a non-nickel coin twice in a row if the first coin picked is not put back?

beeparoo - you are not the only one getting confused by this problem
https://www.beatthegmat.com/a-hand-purse ... 12267.html