Signal Gradients

Gradient Has Direction

Swapping endpoint signals reverses the gradient arrow. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.

highlighted = computed this step

Reverse the endpoint signals

Now the left signal is 18 and the right signal is 6.

6−18=−126 - 18=-12
Signal gradient ledgerEndpoint signals and separation determine a signed gradient.gradient186

The sign chooses the gradient direction

Difference -12 over 6 m gives gradient -2 per meter.

−12/6=−2 per m-12/6=-2\ \text{per m}
Signal gradient ledgerEndpoint signals and separation determine a signed gradient.gradient186