Section 1

1. Section 1

1.16. Explore

Mathematics 20-3 Module 3

Section 1: Slope—Physical Objects

Explore

In Discover you found the slope for various points on a graph. Did you notice how the slopes were calculated? Click on the Leaning Tower of Pisa example to see how a slope is calculated.

Try This 2

In the following applet you will work through steps to see how a ramp’s slope is calculated. As you work through the applet, pay attention to the rise and run and how these measurements are identified for an incline. Are they found in the same way as they were in the Leaning Tower of Pisa example?

This play button opens an interactive activity about determining slopes in different contexts.

Open Rise, Run, and Slope, and then select Slope as Rise Over Run. Follow the instructions to complete pages 1 to 5 of the activity. (Don't close this activity when you finish page 5—you will work on page 6 later in the lesson.)

As you may have noticed in Try This 2, slope can be calculated even when numbers are not given. This calculation can be done by placing graph paper or a grid on a diagram and counting the squares.

You can also use your ruler to measure the rise and run.

Read through "Example 1" (parts a and b) on page 14 of the textbook. Notice again how a grid or graph paper can be used to find the slope when the rise and run are not provided.