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

To determine the appropriate distance the base of a ladder should be from the wall when it is positioned to reach a height of 20 feet, we can apply the "4-to-1 rule." This safety guideline suggests 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, since the top of the ladder contacts the wall at a height of 20 feet, you would divide that height by 4 to find the distance the base should be from the wall.

20 feet (height) divided by 4 equals 5 feet. This means that the base of the ladder should indeed be placed 5 feet away from the wall for optimal stability and safety. Adhering to this guideline helps ensure that the ladder is positioned at an appropriate angle, reducing the risk of slipping or tipping over while the ladder is in use.