解:在$ Rt\triangle AOB $中,根据勾股定理,得$ AB = \sqrt{OA^2 + OB^2} = \sqrt{2.4^2 + 1.8^2} = 3 $.
因为梯子顶端下降$ 0.4\ m $,即$ AC = 0.4\ m $,所以$ OC = AO - AC = 2.4 - 0.4 = 2\ m $,梯子长度不变,即$ CD = AB = 3\ m $.
在$ Rt\triangle COD $中,根据勾股定理,得$ OD = \sqrt{CD^2 - OC^2} = \sqrt{3^2 - 2^2} \approx 2.24 $.
所以$ BD \approx 2.24 - 1.8 = 0.44\ m $,即梯子的底端$ B $应向右滑动约$ 0.44 $米.