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For a negative sign or subtraction operator, use a minus sign: {{xt|−}}. Input by clicking on it in the insert box beneath the edit window or by typing <code>&minus;</code>. | For a negative sign or subtraction operator, use a minus sign: {{xt|−}}. Input by clicking on it in the insert box beneath the edit window or by typing <code>&minus;</code>. | ||
== Slashes == | |||
Generally, avoid joining two words with a [[Slash (punctuation)|slash]], also called a forward slash or ''solidus'' ({{xt| / }}), because it suggests that the words are related without specifying how. Replace with clearer wording. | Generally, avoid joining two words with a [[Wikipedia:Slash (punctuation)|slash]], also called a forward slash or ''solidus'' ({{xt| / }}), because it suggests that the words are related without specifying how. Replace with clearer wording. | ||
An example: {{!xt|The parent/instructor must be present at all times.}} Must both be present? (Then write {{xt|the parent and the instructor}}.) Must at least one be present? (Then write {{xt|the parent or the instructor}}.) Are they the same person? (Use a hyphen: {{xt|the parent-instructor}}.) | An example: {{!xt|The parent/instructor must be present at all times.}} Must both be present? (Then write {{xt|the parent and the instructor}}.) Must at least one be present? (Then write {{xt|the parent or the instructor}}.) Are they the same person? (Use a hyphen: {{xt|the parent-instructor}}.) | ||
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An unspaced slash may be used: | An unspaced slash may be used: | ||
* in a fraction (<code>7/8</code>), though the "fraction slash" (<code>7&frasl;8</code>, producing 7⁄8) is preferred | |||
* in a fraction (<code>7/8</code>), though the "fraction slash" (<code>7&frasl;8</code>, producing 7⁄8) | * to indicate regular defined yearly periods that do not coincide with calendar years (e.g., {{xt|the 2009/2010 fiscal year}}), if that is the convention used in reliable sources; see {{section link|UniWiki:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers|Longer periods}} for further explanation | ||
* to indicate regular defined yearly periods that do not coincide with calendar years (e.g., {{xt|the 2009/2010 fiscal year}}), if that is the convention used in reliable sources; see {{section link| | |||
* to express a ratio, in a form in which a slash is conventionally used (e.g., {{xt|the price-to-earnings ratio, or P/E ratio for short}}) | * to express a ratio, in a form in which a slash is conventionally used (e.g., {{xt|the price-to-earnings ratio, or P/E ratio for short}}) | ||
* where a slash occurs in a phrase widely used outside | * where a slash occurs in a phrase widely used outside the UniWiki, and a different construction would be inaccurate, unfamiliar, or ambiguous (e.g., {{xt|www.defense.gov/news/news.aspx}}) | ||
A spaced slash may be used: | A spaced slash may be used: | ||
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* to separate items that include at least one internal space ({{xt|the NY 31 east / NY 370 exit}}), where for some reason use of a slash is unavoidable | * to separate items that include at least one internal space ({{xt|the NY 31 east / NY 370 exit}}), where for some reason use of a slash is unavoidable | ||
To avoid awkward linebreaks, code spaced slashes (and fraction slashes) with a non-breaking space on the left and a normal space on the right, as in: | To avoid awkward linebreaks, code spaced slashes (and fraction slashes) with a non-breaking space on the left and a normal space on the right, as in: <code>My mama told me&nbsp;/ You better shop around</code>. For short constructions, both spaces should be non-breaking: <code>x&nbsp;/&nbsp;y</code>. | ||
Do not use the [[backslash]] character ({{!xt| \ }}) in place of a slash. | Do not use the [[Wikipedia:Backslash|backslash]] character ({{!xt| \ }}) in place of a slash. | ||
Prefer the division operator ({{xt| ÷ }}) to slash or fraction slash when representing elementary arithmetic in general text: {{xt | Prefer the division operator ({{xt| ÷ }}) to slash or fraction slash when representing elementary arithmetic in general text: {{xt|10 ÷ 2 = 5}}. In more advanced mathematical formulas, a [[Wikipedia:Vinculum (symbol)|vinculum]] or slash is preferred: {{xt|<var>x</var><sup><var>n</var></sup>/<var>n</var>!}}. ''(See {{section link|UniWiki:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers|Common mathematical symbols}} and [[Wikipedia:Help:Displaying a formula]].) | ||
==== And/or ==== | ==== And/or ==== | ||