![Six-Simple-Machines-Inclined-Plane-HQ](https://therustynutbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Six-Simple-Machines-Inclined-Plane-HQ-768x213.jpg)
An inclined plane is a straight trade-off of force and distance. Lifting a weight against the force of gravity requires energy (work).
Work = Force x Distance
A ramp or gradient lets you lift an item using a smaller force over a larger distance. Using a 1:10 ramp (forward ten metres, to go up one) would decrease the force by a tenth while increasing the distance travelled by a factor of ten with W being the same (excluding frictional losses).
Inclined roads and multi-story car parks are commonplace examples.