A stream begins at elevation of 200 metera and flows a distance of 400 kilometers what is the gradient?

Question

This queston is for my college cousre in envirmental science. i understand the materal but im math inclined are we multiplying or dividing?

Answer 1

Difference in elevation = 200m

Distance = 400km = 400,000m

Gradient = Difference in height divided by distance x 100 (%)

= (200/400,000) x 100

= 0.05%

Answer 2

change in height = 200 m

change in distance = 400 m

gradient = 200/400 = 0.500