Ebola: 85% Mortality Rate & Mean of 100000 Contractors

[James905]

the deadly Ebola virus kills 85% of those who contract it. Of the next 100000 people who contract it, what is the mean number who will die?

 

[quantumdude]

And your thoughts on the matter are___________?

 

[James905]

I'm thinking it's:

85% of 100 000 which is 85 000 but I'm not really sure of that

 

[Dick]

Why not?

 

[HallsofIvy]

The mean is the "expected value". You are told that 85% die. Of 1000000 people, how many would you expect to die?

 

[James905]

if it's 85% of 100 000 then 85 000 will die