Consider a particular genetic disease affects
x% of adults in the U.S. populati
Consider a particular genetic disease affects
x% of adults in the U.S. population (for the value of x
to use, see below). Fortunately, there is a genetic test for the gene that causes the disease. The test is 98% accurate; that is, 98% of the people who take the test get the correct result (and 2% of people tested get the wrong result).
In Smithville, there are 200,000 adults, and they all get tested for the disease.
How many of the residents of Smithville are likely to have the disease?
How many of the people who actually have the disease get a positive test result?
How many of the people who do not have the disease get a positive test result?
Of the people who get a positive test result, how many of them have the disease? Convert this to a percentage: What percent of people who get a positive result actually have the disease?
What does this percentage tell you about the test?
Choose x based on the first initial of your last name. For example, if your last name is Jones (J) you would use the value
x= 2
ABCDE: 1
FGHIJ: 2
KLMNO: 3
PQRST: 4
UVWXYZ: 5