How Steep is Steep?

How Steep is Steep?

By Brian McDermott

Multiple Choice

In what state is the steepest street in America (shown in the picture)?

• South Carolina

• Pennsylvania

Multiple Choice

What word is used to describe the steepness of a street?

• Slope

• Pitch

• Gradient

• Range

The gradient is the word used to describe the slope of a street.

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8% Gradient:

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8% = .08 = 8/100

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The slope is 8/100, meaning that is rises 8 units and runs 100 units.​

Gradient (Grade)

Multiple Choice

What is the name of this street in San Francisco, known as the "Crookedest Street in America"?

• Lombard St

• Vermont St

• Castro St

• F

​The roadway (which features 8 switchbacks) was first suggested by Carl Henry, the property owner, and was built in 1922.

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The intention was to reduce the naturally steep grade of the street, which was unsafe for cars.​

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The tourist destination attracts ​2 million visitors per year.

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Lombard St

Multiple Choice

What is the natural gradient of Lombard Street?

• 12%

• 53%

• 82%

• 27%

Multiple Choice

In the United States what is the maximum gradient for Federally funded highways in mountainous areas with speed limits below 60 mph?

• 8%

• 13%

• 19%

• 22%

Multiple Choice

The street which holds the record as the "steepest street in the world" is in which country?

• Canada

• United States

• New Zealand

• Wales (UK)