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.