Question

Which roof is steeper: one with a rise of 8 and run of 4, or one with a rise of 12 and a run of 7?

Answer 1

The first roof is steeper.

Explanation:

Let's write the slopes as fractions first:

`Slope = m ="rise"/"run"`

`m_1 = 8/4 and m_2 = 12/7`

To compare them:

• as simplified fractions. `m_1 = 2 and m_2 = 1 5/12`
• as fractions with a common denominator:

`m_1 = 56/28 and m_2 = 48/28`

• as decimals:

`m_1 = 2and m_2 = 1.716`

In all cases we see that the first roof is steeper.