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Calculate Angle of Slope

Angle of Slope Formula:

\[ \theta = \arctan(\text{slope}) \]

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1. What is Angle of Slope?

The angle of slope (θ) is the angle between a line or surface and the horizontal plane. It's calculated using the arctangent of the slope (rise over run). This measurement is fundamental in various fields including engineering, geography, and physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic trigonometric formula:

\[ \theta = \arctan(\text{slope}) \]

Where:

Explanation: The arctangent function converts the slope ratio (a dimensionless number) into an angle measurement in degrees.

3. Applications of Slope Angle Calculation

Details: Calculating slope angles is essential in road construction, roof pitch determination, wheelchair ramp design, geological surveys, and many engineering applications where inclination matters.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the slope value (rise divided by run) and the calculator will return the angle in degrees. For example, a slope of 1 (45° angle) means 1 unit of vertical change for every 1 unit of horizontal change.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between slope and angle?
A: Slope is a ratio (rise/run) while angle is the actual measurement in degrees of inclination from horizontal.

Q2: What does a slope of 1 mean in degrees?
A: A slope of 1 equals a 45° angle, meaning equal vertical and horizontal change.

Q3: How do I convert degrees back to slope?
A: Use the tangent function: slope = tan(θ) where θ is in degrees.

Q4: What's the maximum possible slope angle?
A: Theoretically 90° (vertical), though practical applications rarely exceed 45°.

Q5: How does this relate to percentage grade?
A: Percentage grade = slope × 100%. A 45° angle equals 100% grade.

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