Question

Find the slope of a pipe that slopes down 1/5 inch per foot.

Answer 1

Answer:

$-\dfrac{1}{60}$

Step-by-step explanation:

$\text{Rate }=-\dfrac{1}{5} in/foot$

It is negative because slopes down.

Slope is dimensionless quantity.

So, change the rate in/foot dimensionless.

As we know, 1 foot = 12 in

$\text{Slope }=-\dfrac{1\text{ in}}{5\text{ foot}}\times \dfrac{1\text{ foot}}{12\text{ in}}$

cancel in and foot from top and bottom

$\text{Slope }=-\dfrac{1}{5}\times \dfrac{1}{12}$

$\text{Slope }=-\dfrac{1}{5\times 12}$

$\text{Slope }=-\dfrac{1}{60}$

Hence, the slope is $-\dfrac{1}{60}$

Answer 2

Answer:

  -1/60

Step-by-step explanation:

The slope is "down 1/5 inch per foot".

As a unitless fraction, it is ...

  (-1/5 in)/(12 in) = -1/60