Omissions

[Fred Van Ackeren]

Hi Kyle,

Cindi referred me to you with the following:

I have a UEB math workbook with 2 different omissions. A blank line and a blank space are used in print.

1. Is is necessary to distinguish between them? BF 10.6.1 instructs us to use 3 dot 5s for blanks but the differences are not identified in print as to their use. I would prefer to use the underscore for both. I've included 2 sets of examples. The first set shows parentheses with a blank space between them using 3 dot 5s.
2. Should a grade 1 indicator be used between the last of the 3 dots and the parenthesis?
3. Also, when print shows a space between the parentheses is the blank space shown in braille?

I get different opinions from different proofreaders on these questions and would appreciate some guidance as to which is preferred. In case the copied braille doesn't show properly I've attached a .doc file.

Parenthesis ( )   ,P>5!SIS "<"""">

Parenthesis S(  )  ,P>5!SIS ,S"<"""">

------------------

A)  f(2) =

B)  f(-3) =

C  f(x) = 8, so x = __

,A"> F"<#B"> "7 """

;,B"> F"<"-#C"> "7 """

;,C"> F"<X"> "7 #H1 S ;X "7 .-

 

Cindi replied with this:

"...it seems you should be using the symbols in section 3.6 of the Guidelines for Technical Materials...there is a visible space symbol used for an omission that has no print symbol (dots 346).  I do not believe the three dot 5s would be appropriate here.  I would also suggest you post this in the UEB Math forum for confirmation."

Thanks, Fred

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[kdejute]

Greetings, Fred.

In your recreation of your print, I see three situations.

1. A sign of comparison is followed by nothing.
2. A blank space is indicated with a low line.
3. An opening and closing parenthesis are separated by a blank space.

I hope the following observations are helpful to you.

1. UEB does not require us to use any symbol in the open space following a sign of comparison at the end of a math expression. 3.6 of the GTM touches on omission marks *in* mathematical expressions.
   • I would transcribe your examples A) and B) as follows:
     • ,a"> f"<#b"> "7
     • ;,b"> f"<"-#c"> "7
2. 7.2.3 of Rules of UEB (RUEB) tells us, "Regardless of the length of the character in print, use one low line (underscore) .- in braille for each print dash below the line of type which indicates a blank to be filled in."
   • I would transcribe your example C) just like you did
     (i.e., ;,c"> f"<x"> "7 #h1 s ;x "7 .-)
     • Our hope is that if we follow print for the "nothingness" after a sign of comparison at the end of a math expression and for a low line where it is used in print, then the braille user will have the same text in front of them that their print-reading/light-dependent classmates and teachers will have and might be describing. If we used a low line where none appears in print, then the braille user would not have the same text as their light-dependent colleagues.
3. If parentheses (or other print grouping signs) enclose a blank to be filled in, I believe GTM 3.6 tells us to use the visible space +. If the print grouping signs are simply separated with a space for the sake of appearance, then I would follow print and use simply a blank cell to separate the opening and closing parenthesis – thus reserving the visible space for space(s) "to be filled." If the empty/blank space between print grouping signs is a blank to be filled, then I would use the visible space for it.

In short, I agree with Cindi that the three dot 5s are not appropriate for your examples.

Please let us know if/when you have follow-up questions.

–Kyle

[kdejute]

See Rules of UEB 10.4.3 for notes on whether grade 1 mode is necessary if the visible space symbol is used between parentheses.

[Fred Van Ackeren]

Hi Kyle,

Thanks for your clarifications, they helped a great deal.

Fred

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