The bottom of the ladder should be ____ away from the building as it is high.

• A. 1/8'
• B. 1/2'
• C. 1/4'
• D. 1'

Answer: (A)

Placing a ladder with the right lean angle is essential for stability. The key idea is to set the base far enough from the wall so the ladder sits at a safe angle, around 75 degrees. This balance keeps the center of gravity over the base, reducing the risk of tipping or slipping.

The practical rule you’ll often use is the 4-to-1 ratio: for every 4 feet of ladder height you’re reaching, place the base about 1 foot from the wall. This makes the angle safe and steady. For example, if you need to reach about 8 feet high, position the base roughly 2 feet out from the wall; if you’re reaching 12 feet high, the base should be around 3 feet out.

Remember, the exact distance depends on how high you’re going, so you use the ladder’s height to calculate the base distance rather than fixed fractions without context. This approach helps ensure a stable, safe setup every time.