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This article is within the scope of WikiProject Mathematics, a collaborative effort to improve the coverage of mathematics on Wikipedia. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the discussion and see a list of open tasks.MathematicsWikipedia:WikiProject MathematicsTemplate:WikiProject Mathematicsmathematics articles
The line of greatest slope shows the direction that is most nearly vertical that follows the terrain; since the force exerted on objects by gravity is directed downward, if they can't fall through the ground, then they tend to move in the direction that is nearest to downward that doesn't penetrate the terrain, and that direction is along the line of greatest slope.-Bryanrutherford0 (talk) 12:54, 17 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]
If anyone can improve or make a better diagram to illustrate "line of greatest slope" it would be helpful. The one I added is an approximate representation. A diagram created with actual applied math might be better.—LithiumFlash (talk) 13:29, 17 June 2017 (UTC)[reply]