1. What is Slope?

Slope is a measure of 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 Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Slope (unitless)
• \( rise \) — Vertical change (in units like meters or feet)
• \( run \) — Horizontal change (in units like meters or feet)

Explanation: The slope represents how much the vertical position changes for each unit of horizontal movement.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculation is essential in mathematics, engineering, construction, and various scientific fields for determining angles, gradients, and rates of change.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in consistent units. The run value must be non-zero. The result is a unitless ratio representing the slope.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a slope of 0 mean?
A: A slope of 0 indicates a horizontal line with no vertical change.

Q2: What does an undefined slope mean?
A: An undefined slope occurs when the run is 0, indicating a vertical line.

Q3: Can slope be negative?
A: Yes, a negative slope indicates the line is decreasing as it moves from left to right.

Q4: How is slope used in real-world applications?
A: Slope is used in road construction, roof pitch calculation, wheelchair ramp design, and many engineering applications.

Q5: What's the difference between slope and gradient?
A: While often used interchangeably, gradient typically refers to the steepness of a physical surface, while slope is the mathematical ratio.