Fractions and Hyphens

Fractions are written out in words. They are hyphenated only when they come right in front of a noun, called a "direct" adjective.

...increased by seven eighths...
...only one third of them remained...

...a seven-eights increase...
...one-third reduction in staff...

If there is a mixed number, a whole number and a fraction, in the sentence also, the fraction is in figures, for the sake of consistency.

...sent 2 1/4 today and will send another 3/4 tomorrow...

Happy punctuating!

Margie