AAF

Slope Project (20 pts.)

Mathematician________________
Due: 9/16/15
**SLOPE PROJECT **

Materials
Meter Stick
Calculator
Objective
To see how slope is used in the construction of stairs and to compare slopes of
various staircases
Instructions
1. Measure the rise and run for 3 sets of steps in each staircase. Measure in
centimeters to the nearest tenth.
2. Measure the height of each step by measuring from the top of the step to
the toe of the next step. Write your result in the column labeled rise.
Measure two other steps and write their results.
3. The run is found by measuring the distance from the front edge of the step
to the back of the desired step measuring along the plane of the step.
Write your result in the column labeled run.
4. Compute the ratio of the rise to the run for each step. Put your answers in
decimal form, rounding to the nearest thousandth.
Staircase #1 (1 pt.)
Step Rise
1

Run

Rise/Run =

Decimal

Run

Rise/Run =

Decimal

Run

Rise/Run =

Decimal

2
3
Staircase #2 ( 1 pt.)
Step
Rise
1
2
3
Staircase #3 (1 pt.)
Step
Rise
1
2
3

AAF
Slope Project (20 pts.)

Mathematician________________
Due: 9/16/15

Answer the following questions using complete sentences.

1. What observation would you make about the rise to run ratio of the
handrail? Explain your reasoning. (2 pts.)

2. Suppose the staircase youve just measured is replaced by a longer

staircase that fits between the same two floors. The bottom edge of the
new staircase extends out 45 cm farther along the floor level. Given this
information determine the height of the new staircase. Explain your
answer. (2 pts.)

3. How does this affect the slope (rise to run ratio) of the new staircase?
Explain your answer. (2 pts.)

4. Find the average rise to run ratio (slope) for each staircase. Put your
answers in decimal form, rounding to the nearest thousandth. (1 pt. each)
Staircase #1 = _______________________
Staircase #2 = _______________________
Staircase #3 = _______________________
5. Ramps and staircases are measured by slope and also by the angle of the
grade. Find the angle of each of your staircases by using the tan button
on your calculator. **Check the mode button and make sure your
calculator is in DEGREE mode.**
Note #1: Angle A
The tangent of an angle equals the rise to run ratio.
Tan A = rise/run
Note #2: Tan A = slope
If the slope of the stairs is 2/3, then Tan A = 2/3.
To find A, type in [2nd] and [tan] keys followed by [2] [/] [3].
Tan 1(2/3)

AAF
Slope Project (20 pts.)

Mathematician________________
Due: 9/16/15

Press enter key to obtain answer (33.69).

Tan 1(2/3)
33.69

Find the angle from the average slope for each of the three staircases. Round
your answers to the nearest tenth. (1 pt. each)
Staircase #1 = ________________________
Staircase #2 = ________________________
Staircase #3 = ________________________

6. What do you think is a safe and comfortable angle for public staircases?
Explain your answer. (2 pts.)

7. How do you think the slope or angle of a handicap ramp would compare to
that of a public staircase? Why? Explain your answer. (2 pts.)