The ramp at a loading dock rises 2.5 metres over a run of 4 metres. Find the slope of the ramp.

Step-by-step solution

Idea: Slope = riserun.

1. Rise = 2.5 m, run = 4 m. Slope = riserun = 2.54.½ mark
2. 2.54 = 2540 = 58 = 0.625. (The ramp rises 0.625 m for every metre along.)½ mark

Check: 0.625 × 4 = 2.5 m rise ✓.

Answer to write in the exam

Common mistakes that cost marks

• Writing 42.5 = 1.6 (run over rise).
• Leaving the answer with units: slope is a ratio of two lengths, so it has no unit.

How this can come in the exam

Try one yourself

A road rises 15 m over a horizontal 300 m. Find its slope.

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