Be sure to show your work where possible-failure to show work will result in
deduction in grade
We know that modern medicine is rich with biology, chemistry and countless other
branches of science. While mathematics does not make a lot of headlines for changing
the way we think about our health and well-being, there are many ways in which
mathematics is informing and improving the way scientists and doctors approach the
world of medicine.
Consider the following data for a group of 2000 women. Of these women, 16 are known
to have breast cancer. All 2000 undergo the same test to determine whether or not they
have breast cancer, and 154 test positive. 14 of the 16 that have breast cancer test
positive and 140 of those that do not have breast cancer test positive.
1. Based on the data presented above, do you think the test for breast cancer is
effective at identifying women who have breast cancer?
