Reply To: Division of Mathematical Expressions Between Braille Lines
Hi Veeah.
The division of expression guidelines are hard to understand, and frankly are not very clear in the code because of the wide variation in issues we face with long expressions.
Over the years, we all got a little carried away trying to make sense of the priority list outlined in the code book.
In retrospect, the statement in Lesson 14 that says "If an expression must be divided at a site lower on the priority list, a new line is required at each sign which occurs higher on the list" is simply not practical. You'll be happy to hear that this topic will be easier to comprehend in the updated lesson material and code book, due out some time in 2022. In the meantime...
Honestly, the concept is simple and if we step back a bit, usually we can come up with a clear transcription.
In a long linked expression, the first thing to keep in mind is to begin each link on a new line. There are two links in your example. A new line begins with each of those links, beginning with the equals sign. When the anchor is so small (in this case, "a"), it may seem strange to leave it all alone on a line by itself, but by starting each link on a new line, the structure of the equation is not lost.
The issue now is what to do with the long fraction. Yes, divide before the fraction line, to keep the numerator distinct from the denominator. A numeric indicator is not needed for the "1" in the denominator because it is not preceded by a space.
Now what to do with the factor "9.81 m/s^2"? Since no operation sign is present, you don't need to begin a new line. It's okay if you do, for clarity, but it's not required. If you do begin a new line with "9.81 m/s^2" then you need a numeric indicator before the 9 because it is the first symbol on the line. On the other hand, if you keep "9.81 m/s^2" unspaced from the closing fraction indicator on the previous line, the numeric indicator is not needed.
One correction needed: Delete the space between the plus symbol and "2" in the numerator.
I love your questions. Thank you for sharing this with everyone on the forum.
Lindy