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False positives

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An experimental test to detect a particular type of cancer indicates the presence of cancer in 90% of individuals known to have this type of cancer, and in 15% of individuals known to be cancer-free (false positive). One hundred individuals volunteer to take the test. Of the 100, 60 are known to have the cancer, and 40 are known to be cancer-free. If the test indicates that one of the individuals, randomly chosen, has the cancer, what is the probability that he or she is actually cancer-free?

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Solution Summary

This is a problem that works with false positive in a cancer test.

Solution provided by:
Changping Wang, MA
Education
  • BSc , Wuhan Univ. China
  • MA, Shandong Univ.
Recent Feedback
  • "Your solution, looks excellent. I recognize things from previous chapters. I have seen the standard deviation formula you used to get 5.154. I do understand the Central Limit Theorem needs the sample size (n) to be greater than 30, we have 100. I do understand the sample mean(s) of the population will follow a normal distribution, and that CLT states the sample mean of population is the population (mean), we have 143.74. But when and WHY do we use the standard deviation formula where you got 5.154. WHEN & Why use standard deviation of the sample mean. I don't understand, why don't we simply use the "100" I understand that standard deviation is the square root of variance. I do understand that the variance is the square of the differences of each sample data value minus the mean. But somehow, why not use 100, why use standard deviation of sample mean? Please help explain."
  • "excellent work"
  • "Thank you so much for all of your help!!! I will be posting another assignment. Please let me know (once posted), if the credits I'm offering is enough or you ! Thanks again!"
  • "Thank you"
  • "Thank you very much for your valuable time and assistance!"
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