A rectangular lot measures 75 feet by 150 feet. What is the total square footage of this lot?
Correct Answer
A) 11,250 square feet
To calculate square footage, multiply length by width: 75 feet × 150 feet = 11,250 square feet. This is a basic area calculation essential for site analysis.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because it properly applies the basic area formula for rectangles: Area = Length × Width. When we multiply 75 feet by 150 feet, we get 11,250 square feet. This calculation follows standard mathematical principles and represents the total area enclosed within the rectangular boundaries of the lot. The answer includes the proper unit of measurement (square feet) which is essential for area calculations.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 225 square feet
Option B (225 square feet) appears to be the result of adding the dimensions rather than multiplying them (75 + 150 = 225), which is incorrect for area calculation. This represents a fundamental mathematical error where someone confused perimeter-type thinking with area calculation.
Option C: 450 square feet
Option C (450 square feet) seems to be double the sum of the dimensions (2 × 225 = 450), which might result from calculating perimeter (2 × length + 2 × width = 2 × 75 + 2 × 150 = 450) rather than area. This is a common confusion between perimeter and area formulas.
Option D: 22,500 square feet
Option D (22,500 square feet) is exactly double the correct answer, suggesting a calculation error where someone might have doubled their result or made an error in their multiplication process. This could result from misreading dimensions or making an arithmetic mistake.
L × W = Area
Remember 'Length times Width equals Area' or use the acronym 'LWA' (Length, Width, Area). Visualize a rectangle and think 'multiply the sides that touch at a corner.'
How to use: When you see any rectangular area problem, immediately identify the two perpendicular dimensions and multiply them together. Always check that your answer is in square units.
Exam Tip
Double-check your multiplication by estimating: 75 × 150 is close to 80 × 150 = 12,000, so 11,250 is reasonable. Always verify your units are square feet, not linear feet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Adding dimensions instead of multiplying them
- -Confusing area calculation with perimeter calculation
- -Forgetting to use square units in the final answer
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests fundamental area calculation skills that are essential for real estate appraisal. Square footage calculation is one of the most basic yet critical skills an appraiser must master, as it forms the foundation for property valuation, cost estimation, and comparative market analysis. The ability to quickly and accurately calculate areas is used daily in appraisal practice for determining building areas, lot sizes, and various property components. This type of calculation appears frequently on appraisal exams and represents a core competency that underlies more complex valuation methods.
Background Knowledge
Area calculation requires understanding that area represents the two-dimensional space within boundaries, measured in square units. For rectangles, the formula is always length multiplied by width, regardless of which dimension is considered length versus width.
Real-World Application
Appraisers calculate lot square footage to determine land value, verify property records, calculate price per square foot for comparables, and ensure accurate property descriptions in appraisal reports.
More Property Description Questions
Property zoned as R-2 typically allows for:
In the rectangular survey system, a section contains how many acres?
Which property right includes the right to receive rental income from a tenant-occupied property?
A property is located in a 100-year flood zone. This means the property has what probability of flooding in any given year?
In a metes and bounds description, the term 'metes' refers to:
People Also Study
Valuation Principles & Procedures
25% of exam
Market Analysis & Highest/Best Use
15% of exam
Appraisal Math & Statistics
15% of exam
USPAP (Ethics & Standards)
15% of exam
Report Writing & Compliance
10% of exam
Previous Question
Which foundation type is most susceptible to settlement and structural problems in expansive clay soil conditions?
Next Question
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment reveals the property was previously used as a dry cleaner. What is the most appropriate next step for the appraiser?