For a 28-foot ladder, what is the correct base distance from the building?

For a 28-foot ladder, what is the correct base distance from the building?

• A. 6 feet
• B. 8 feet
• C. 7 feet
• D. 5 feet

Answer: (C)

A safe, stable ladder angle is achieved using the 4:1 rule: for every four feet of vertical height, place the base one foot from the wall. For a 28-foot ladder, that base distance is 28 ÷ 4 = 7 feet from the building. This position puts the ladder at about a 75-degree angle, balancing reach with stability. If the base were much closer (e.g., 5 feet), the ladder would sit too steeply and be harder to control; if it were farther out (e.g., 8 feet), the angle would be too shallow and could compromise reach and footing at the top. Hence, 7 feet is the correct base distance.

A safe, stable ladder angle is achieved using the 4:1 rule: for every four feet of vertical height, place the base one foot from the wall. For a 28-foot ladder, that base distance is 28 ÷ 4 = 7 feet from the building. This position puts the ladder at about a 75-degree angle, balancing reach with stability. If the base were much closer (e.g., 5 feet), the ladder would sit too steeply and be harder to control; if it were farther out (e.g., 8 feet), the angle would be too shallow and could compromise reach and footing at the top. Hence, 7 feet is the correct base distance.