Final answer:
To find the probability of not getting pecans from a trail mix when the probability of getting pecans is 0.38, one must subtract the given probability from 1, resulting in a probability of 0.62 for not getting pecans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question is mathematics which involves calculating probabilities. The student is given a probability of picking pecans from a trail mix and needs to find the probability of not picking pecans. Probability in this context means the likelihood or chance of a particular outcome happening when an event occurs.
To calculate the probability of not getting pecans (let's denote it by P(Not Pecans)), we need to understand that the sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes in an event is always equal to 1 (or 100%). Therefore, if the probability of getting pecans is 0.38, then the probability of not getting pecans would be 1 minus the probability of getting pecans.
P(Not Pecans) = 1 - P(Pecans)
P(Not Pecans) = 1 - 0.38
P(Not Pecans) = 0.62
Thus, the probability of not getting pecans when reaching into the trail mix is 0.62, which means there is a 62% chance that a random selection will not be pecans.