If a ladder is placed at the proper angle for climbing and it is reaching 20 feet up a wall, how far away from the wall should the base be, in feet?

The correct answer reflects the recommended placement of a ladder relative to the height it is reaching. When setting up a ladder for safe climbing, the general guideline is to position the base of the ladder one-fourth of the distance from the wall for every foot of vertical height.

In this case, if the ladder reaches 20 feet up a wall, the distance from the wall should be calculated as follows: one-fourth of 20 feet is 5 feet. This distance helps ensure that the ladder is at a safe and stable angle, typically around 75 degrees, which is important for preventing slips and falls while climbing.

Adhering to this 4:1 ratio is essential for maintaining safety standards while using ladders in firefighting and other scenarios. Placing the base at this distance ensures the ladder remains stable and minimizes the risk of it tipping over or slipping away from the wall during use.