[Tex/LaTex] How to vertically align a fraction and an answer blank

fractions

I am trying to typeset a worksheet where students will fill in things in blanks. In the below example, they will fill in what they multiply each of the fractions by to get a common denominator. However, the blanks are not aligned with the bottom of the fractions; they are too high. How could I move the fractions up (or resize them) or move the blanks down so that they are aligned?

\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

$$\frac{1}{8}\cdot\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}=\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}
\hspace{1cm} 
\frac{7}{12}\cdot\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}=\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}$$

\end{document}

Best Answer

You can use a normal \frac command and use the \phantom approach (or use another blank space that works in math mode). \phantom occupies the space that would have been used by it's argument.

\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\section*{Code Provided by OP}

\begin{equation}
\frac{1}{8}\cdot\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}=\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}
\hspace{1cm} 
\frac{7}{12}\cdot\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}=\underline{\hspace{1.5cm}}
\end{equation}

\section*{Code Proposes by Manuel Kuehner}

\begin{equation}
\frac{1}{8} \cdot \frac{\phantom{123456}}{\phantom{123456}} =\frac{\phantom{123456}}{\phantom{123456}}
\hspace{1cm} 
\frac{7}{12} \cdot \frac{\phantom{123456}}{\phantom{123456}} =\frac{\phantom{123456}}{\phantom{123456}}
\end{equation}

\end{document}

Related Solutions

Vertical Alignment in Math Mode – How to Center Fraction Lines in LaTeX

The default settings don't pack the numerator and denoimnator as close to the line as possible which gives a more consistent layout. In 1/2 the gap from the 1 to the bar is, as you say larger than the gap from the bar to the 2, but in 1/x the larger gap is below the bar, however 1/2 and 1/x are aligned consistently.

However you can change the font params to get a tighter spacing:

enter image description here

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[math]{iwona} % Iwona as math font
\begin{document}
$a$
\typeout{\the\fontdimen9\textfont2}

$1+\frac{1}{2}+ \frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{N}+\frac{1}{N^2} + \frac{1}{(a+b)}$


\fontdimen9\textfont2=2pt

\typeout{\the\fontdimen9\textfont2}
$1+\frac{1}{2}+ \frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{N}+\frac{1}{N^2} + \frac{1}{(a+b)}$


\end{document}

See This answer for a list of font parameters.

[Tex/LaTex] Align numerator and denominator of a fraction

If you also want a on top of c, you can simply add a \hfill between c and d.

MWE:

\documentclass{article}

\begin{document}
\[
\frac{a^2 b}{c\hfill d}
\]
\end{document}

enter image description here

If, instead, you want a^2 on top of c, also add a \hfill before c:

MWE:

\documentclass{article}

\newlength\mylength
\settowidth\mylength{$a^2$}

\begin{document}
\[
\frac{a^2 b}{\hfill c\hfill d}
\]
\end{document}

enter image description here

Here's a last possibility, but I don't think it is what you are looking for.

\documentclass{article}

\newlength\mylength
\settowidth\mylength{$a^2$}

\begin{document}
\[
\frac{a^2 b}{\hfill c d}
\]
\end{document}

enter image description here

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Vertical Alignment in Math Mode – How to Center Fraction Lines in LaTeX

[Tex/LaTex] Align numerator and denominator of a fraction

Related Question