slope

Vocabulary Word

Definition

The term 'slope' is used to describe the steepness or degree of slant of a line or surface. It can refer to a physical incline, like a hill, or a mathematical concept in geometry.

Examples in Different Contexts

In technology and engineering, 'slope' is crucial in designing structures, roads, or pathways, ensuring stability and drainage. An engineer might say, 'We’ve calculated the optimal slope to facilitate water runoff and prevent accumulation on the roadway.'

Practice Scenarios

Academics

Scenario:

Remember when working with linear functions, to keep in mind how the y values are changing in relation to the x values.

Response:

So, I'll subtract the y values and divide by the difference in x values. That'll give me the slope of the line, right?

Business

Scenario:

Our production cost is starting to become a concern. It's a sharp rise, especially compared to how steadily it was increasing before.

Response:

Yes, if we map out our production costs, we can see the slope of our cost curve is becoming quite steep.