When leaning a ladder against a wall, how far from the wall should the foot of the ladder be located?

The correct answer, which states that the foot of the ladder should be positioned 1/4 the working length of the ladder away from the wall, is based on the principles of ladder safety and stability. This distance creates a proper angle for the ladder, typically around 75 degrees from the ground.

When a ladder is set at this angle, it reduces the risk of slipping or tipping over while in use. If the base of the ladder is too close to the wall, the angle becomes too steep, which increases the chances of the ladder slipping backward. Conversely, if the base is too far from the wall, the ladder can become unstable and may tip over.

Using the ratio of 1/4 the working length provides a standard method to set up ladders for maximum safety and stability, ensuring that the ladder can support the weight of the user effectively while also maintaining a safe working position.