The problem states that the money or prize winnings are to be shared by Tom and Sue at the ratio of 8 to 7 which can also be displayed as 8:7 or 8/7. To solve this problem use 8:7 and add the the two sides of the ratio together (8+7=15) and divide the TOTAL winnings by 15 (3,600/15=240) and then multiply the quotient by the share each person was to receive (RATIO) (240 x 8=$1,920 for Tom, and 240 x 7=$1,680 for Sue) so that we know Tom gets $1,920 and Sue gets $1,680, then we check our work by adding the two sub-totals together to ensure they equal the original TOTAL amount ($1,920 + $1,680 = $3,600) and so we know we have the right answer.