FRACTIONS

· In common usage a fraction is any part of a unit. A fraction is a way of expressing a quantity based on an amount that is divided into a number of equal-sized parts.

For example, each part of a cake split into four equal parts is called a quarter (and represented numerically as 1⁄4); two quarters is half the cake, and eight quarters would make two cakes.

Tips while transcribing Fractions:

· Fractions are to be spelled out when less than 1 and if it is not followed immediately by a noun.

For example:

The specimen measured one-quarter of a pound.

· Fractions are to be spelled out if the sentence begins with them.

For example:

One and a half years back, the patient had come to me.

· When the fraction precedes a noun, Arabic numeral should be used to transcribe it. Use a hyphen to join the fraction with the noun it modifies.
For example:

A 1½-inch incision was made.

· Employ Arabic numerals for fractions in ages.

For example:

The patient is a 4-½ -years old. This 5-½-year-old patient underwent bilateral hand surgery.

· If a fraction is dictated with SI units, convert it into decimals. However, with other units of measure, fractions are used.

For example:

(Dictated): The lesion was three and a half cm in size.

(Transcribed): The lesion was 3.5 cm in size. (Correct) .

The lesion was 3-1/2 cm in size (Incorrect)

· Place a hyphen following the whole number and place the fraction on the same line if there is no possibility of reducing size of fractions.

For example:

A 4-l/2-year-old patient was brought to me for second opinion.

· In case of dimensions when using imperial units, always use numerals for fractions, with a hyphen between the whole number and the fraction.

For example:

The cyst measured 1-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 1 inch.