Learning how to type fractions is a useful skill that can be applied to numerous types of people. Teachers and students can use the skill for homework assignments or research papers as well as in chemistry and geometry. Chefs can also utilize it for professional recipe cards. Typed fractions are also seen in financial and statistical reports. Some fractions may be converted to decimals for typing ease; however, some fractions must stay in numerator/denominator form to properly convey the data represented. Typing fraction symbols may be done with an auto format feature in some programs or with key strokes specifically designed to express fractions in the proper form.
1Use the division symbol to type a fraction. This may be done by first typing the numerator (the top number of the fraction), the forward slash key (/), and the denominator (the bottom number of a fraction). An example would look like 5/32.Ad
2Convert a fraction to a decimal if a decimal format conveys the fraction properly. For example, a fraction converted to a decimal on a recipe card may be hard for some people to decipher as most food measuring devices use fraction symbols.
- Convert a fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator. For example, to express the fraction 2/3 as a decimal, divide 2 by 3 to get 0.67.
3Use the auto format feature in Word programs to automatically change the typed number. The converted number uses the forward slash format to the correct fraction symbol, which is a horizontal bar. This feature will change 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 to the correct format.
4Use an equation field in Word programs to type a fraction.
- Place the cursor where you would like the fraction to be.
- Press Ctrl+F9 at the same time to insert a pair of field brackets.
- Place the cursor inside the field brackets, and type EQ \F(n, d). The "n" is the numerator and the "d" is the denominator.
- You must use all capital letters, and follow the EQ with a space.
- Press the ⇧ Shift+F9 at the same time to create the fraction.
5Use keyboard shortcut in Word programs to type fractions by holding down the Alt key and typing the code numbers.
- 1/2 = Alt+0189
- 1/4 = Alt+0188
- 3/4 = Alt+0190
6Use the superscript and subscript formatting to type fractions in Word programs.
- Type the numerator, and highlight it.
- Select Format from the menu, click Font, then select Superscript.
- Press Ctrl and the space bar to clear the formatting for the next step.
- Type a forward slash (/).
- Type the denominator and highlight it. Select Format, then Font, then Subscript.
- Press Ctrl+Space to clear the formatting again and move on with your typing.
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- In WordPerfect X4, only 1/2 is changed to a symbol. If you want it to stop doing this, click Tools, then QuickCorrect. Highlight the fraction, and click Delete Entry.
- In Word 2007, consider removing the Math AutoCorrect feature that changes common fractions to symbols so you can choose the format for all fractions as you type. Do this from the design menu by clicking Tools and Math AutoCorrect in the Equation Options box.