Question

Which is steeper: the boat ramp or a road with a 12% grade? Explain. (Note: Road grade is the vertical increase divided by the horizontal distance)

Answer 1

      Slope = Rise / Run
      Road grade is vertical increase ( Rise ) divided by the horizontal increase ( Run ).
      The boat ramp:
      Road Grade (B) = 6 ft / 36 ft = 1/6 = 0.167
      The road:
      Road Grade (R) = 12 % = 0.12
      0.167 > 0.12
      Answer: The boat ramp is steeper.