If a ladder is extended 20 feet, how far from the wall should its base be?

To determine how far from the wall the base of a ladder should be when extended to a height of 20 feet, one commonly used guideline is the "4-to-1 rule." This rule states that for every 4 feet of vertical height, the base of the ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the wall.

In this scenario, the ladder reaches a height of 20 feet. Applying the 4-to-1 rule means you divide the height by 4, which results in 20 feet divided by 4, equaling 5 feet. Therefore, the base of the ladder should be placed 5 feet away from the wall to ensure proper safety and stability when the ladder is in use.

This guideline is crucial for preventing falls and maintaining balance while working at heights. By positioning the ladder correctly, it enhances the overall safety for the individual using it.