Final answer:
In mathematics, the number of inches a roof rises for every foot it runs is known as the pitch or slope of the roof. The pitch of a roof is usually expressed as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.
Step-by-step explanation:
In mathematics, the number of inches a roof rises for every foot it runs is known as the pitch or slope of the roof. The pitch of a roof is usually expressed as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. For example, a roof with a pitch of 6:12 means that for every 12 horizontal feet, the roof rises 6 vertical feet.
Let's consider an example: if a roof has a pitch of 4:12, it means that for every 12 feet horizontally, the roof rises 4 feet vertically. This can also be written as a fraction, where the numerator represents the rise and the denominator represents the run. So, the pitch of the roof in this example can be written as 4/12.
Roof pitch is an important factor in determining the suitability of a roof for different climates, the type of materials that can be used, and the overall aesthetics of a building.