A 3:1 slope refers to a gradient or incline where for every 3 units of horizontal distance, there is 1 unit of vertical rise. This means that the slope rises 1 unit for every 3 units it runs horizontally. It is commonly used in various fields such as engineering, construction, and landscaping to describe the steepness of a slope.
For example, if you have a hill that rises 10 feet over a horizontal distance of 30 feet, the slope would be described as a 3:1 slope. This ratio helps in understanding the steepness and stability of the slope, which is crucial for designing safe and functional structures or landscapes.