1. What is Slope?

Slope measures the steepness or incline of a line, representing the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between two points on the line.

2. How Slope is Calculated

The slope is calculated using the formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change between two points (meters)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal change between two points (meters)

Explanation: A positive slope indicates an upward incline, negative slope indicates downward incline, and zero slope indicates a horizontal line.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope is fundamental in mathematics, physics, engineering, and construction. It's used in road design, roof pitch, wheelchair ramps, and many other applications where incline needs to be measured or specified.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical change (rise) and horizontal change (run) in meters. The run must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the slope as a ratio (rise over run).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a slope of 1 mean?
A: A slope of 1 means the line rises 1 unit for every 1 unit of horizontal distance (45° angle).

Q2: How is slope different from gradient?
A: Slope is a ratio (rise/run), while gradient is often expressed as a percentage (rise/run × 100%).

Q3: What's considered a steep slope?
A: In construction, slopes greater than 15% (about 8.5°) are generally considered steep.

Q4: Can slope be negative?
A: Yes, negative slope indicates the line is decreasing (going downward as you move right).

Q5: How is slope used in real life?
A: Slope calculations are used in road construction, wheelchair ramp design, roof building, and hiking trail grading.