Which of the following gradients is the steepest?
Question 1 Report
Which of the following gradients is the steepest?
Answer Details
A gradient expressed as "1 in X" means the land rises 1 unit vertically for every X units of horizontal distance. The smaller the value of X, the steeper the gradient, because the same vertical rise occurs over a shorter horizontal distance.
Comparing the four gradients:
| Gradient | Horizontal distance per 1 unit rise | Steepness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in 134 | 134 units | Steepest |
| 1 in 153 | 153 units | |
| 1 in 351 | 351 units | |
| 1 in 531 | 531 units | Gentlest |
1 in 134 is the steepest gradient because the land rises 1 unit over just 134 units of horizontal distance, giving the shortest run for the same rise.
When comparing gradients, always remember: the smaller the denominator, the steeper the slope. You can think of it as a fraction - \(\frac{1}{134}\) is the largest fraction among the four, confirming it represents the steepest incline.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
