Question

For a ladder contacting the wall 20 ft (6 m) above the ground, the base should be _____ from the wall.

A) 3 ft (1 m)
B) 4 ft (1.2 m)
C) 5 ft (1.5 m)
D) 6 ft (1.8 m)

Answer 1

For a ladder reaching 20 feet high, the ideal distance from the wall is C) 5 feet (1.5 meters), according to the 4-to-1 rule for ladder stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

When positioning a ladder against a wall, safety guidelines suggest using the 4-to-1 rule as a measure for stability. This rule indicates that for every 4 feet of height you plan to climb, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall. In the context of the question where the ladder contacts the wall 20 feet above (approximately 6 meters), we can apply this 4-to-1 ratio.

Consequently, the ladder should be placed 5 feet (approximately 1.5 meters) away from the wall for optimal stability and safety. This recommendation ensures the ladder has a suitable angle to prevent tipping or sliding while in use.

Therefore, the correct option for the base of the ladder to be positioned from the wall is C) 5 ft (1.5 m).