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70-80%

70-80%

(OP)
In a technical manual is it correct (preferred) to state 70 to 80%, 70-80%, 70% to 80% or 70%-80%? Internal arguments and personal preferrences have prolonged release of this document for this trivial matter.

RE: 70-80%

That should be covered in the company's style manual.

If none exists, let the highest ranking gorilla choose, and use that convention consistently.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: 70-80%

I prefer to use the tilda sign 70 ~ 80. The sign - could be assumed to represent a minus.

RE: 70-80%

(OP)
Thanks for the replies; the problem lies in the "highest ranking gorilla" battle. I'll choose and release.

RE: 70-80%

Just make in unambiguous.

In all of your examples (recognizing that they are presented out of context), it is not clear if 70% or 80% exactly would be acceptable.

RE: 70-80%

I would keep it consistant with how others are designated, i.e. temp, length, etc.

Chris
Systems Analyst
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: 70-80%

The most important thing is to get your meaning across clearly and unambiguously. Worry about style afterwards!

RE: 70-80%

As an example, the SI style manuals have the following requirements:

(70 to 80) %

70 % to 80 %

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

RE: 70-80%

70 % to 80 % is the only unambiguous one


eg, what does 3-5k V mean? (particularly when spoken)? is 3V acceptable?

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: 70-80%

Even "70% to 80%" could be ambiguous; i've seen those noted "70% to 80%, inclusive".

Isn't there some kind of convention that ranges are inclusive unless otherwise noted?

Hg

Eng-Tips policies:  FAQ731-376

RE: 70-80%


If one adds the word range the ambiguity disappears. Right ?

RE: 70-80%

Within the 70% to 80 % range could include values close to that range i.e. 69% or 81%

Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com

RE: 70-80%

==> Within the 70% to 80 % range could include values close to that range i.e. 69% or 81%
Is that what they mean by "New Math"?

Good Luck
--------------
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

RE: 70-80%

dgowans - Yes, they are different, but in this case, I think either one is acceptable.  You should be able to replace 'i.e.' with 'in other words', and 'e.g.' means 'for example'.

Good Luck
--------------
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

RE: 70-80%

Agreed.  I looked at this again after I posted and realized that either abbreviation worked in this case.

RE: 70-80%

75% +/- 5% with a 95% probability.

clown

saludos.
a.

RE: 70-80%

Oh, so 0% is acceptable?

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: 70-80%

>70% & <80%

RE: 70-80%

Forgot to add the shall word for the earlier post.
The operator shall ensure % total liquids shall remain in the range >75%&<85%

RE: 70-80%

70 ta 80% more or less.

RE: 70-80%

In our technical literature, we always use a "triple point" to indicate a range. Like this:
70%...80%
The percentage sign belongs to the number, because what you are writing is actually:
70/100...80/100
If units are nedded, they would be placed at the end like this:
70...80 V.

Regards.

RE: 70-80%

Use an N-dash, rather than a hyphen:

70–80% instead of 70-80%

Fred

RE: 70-80%

Yeah, but some big hairy gorilla (Gee, with all the RFs flying around is this PC?) just might read that as 70, less 80%.

RE: 70-80%


I think in punctuation ..., ***, - marks indicating a pause, or omission of obviously understood words, are called ellipsis.

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