If a slope is described as 3:1 (horizontal:vertical), what is the approximate grade percentage?

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Multiple Choice

If a slope is described as 3:1 (horizontal:vertical), what is the approximate grade percentage?

Explanation:
Grade percentage is found by taking the vertical rise and dividing it by the horizontal distance, then multiplying by 100. A 3:1 slope (horizontal:vertical) means for every 3 units of horizontal distance, the elevation rises 1 unit. So the grade is (1/3) × 100% ≈ 33.3%. That’s why the correct choice is about 33.3%. The other numbers come from different rise-to-run ratios and don’t match the 3:1 description.

Grade percentage is found by taking the vertical rise and dividing it by the horizontal distance, then multiplying by 100. A 3:1 slope (horizontal:vertical) means for every 3 units of horizontal distance, the elevation rises 1 unit. So the grade is (1/3) × 100% ≈ 33.3%. That’s why the correct choice is about 33.3%. The other numbers come from different rise-to-run ratios and don’t match the 3:1 description.

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