A rectangular site is 150 feet by 200 feet. What is its area in square feet?
Correct Answer
D) 30,000 square feet
Area=150 ft×200 ft=30,000 square feet. Common errors: computing the perimeter instead of the area gives 700 square feet; adding the dimensions instead of multiplying them gives 350 square feet; halving the area as if the lot were a triangle gives 15,000 square feet.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct because area = 150 ft x 200 ft = 30,000 square feet. A rectangle's area is the product of its two side lengths. The result is in square feet because feet are multiplied by feet.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 350 square feet
Option A, 350 square feet, comes from adding the dimensions instead of multiplying them: 150 + 200 = 350. The correct calculation is 150 x 200 = 30,000 square feet.
Option B: 700 square feet
Option B, 700 square feet, is the perimeter, not the area: 2 x (150 + 200) = 700. The correct area is 150 x 200 = 30,000 square feet.
Option C: 15,000 square feet
Option C, 15,000 square feet, comes from halving the area as if the lot were a triangle: 150 x 200 / 2 = 15,000. The site is rectangular, so the area is 150 x 200 = 30,000 square feet.
Multiply for Area
Area multiplies the sides; perimeter adds them up around the edge.
How to use: Use this to keep area and perimeter calculations separate.
Exam Tip
Check the units: area must be in square feet, and a rectangle needs no division by two.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Adding dimensions instead of multiplying
- -Reporting the perimeter as area
- -Applying the triangle formula to a rectangle
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests calculating the area of a rectangle. Area equals length times width, so 150 feet times 200 feet gives the answer. The distractors come from adding dimensions, computing the perimeter, or halving the area.
Background Knowledge
Site area is a basic element of site description and land valuation. A rectangle's area is length times width, while a triangle's area is half the base times the height. Perimeter measures the distance around a site and is a linear measure, not an area.
Real-World Application
An appraiser values a 150-by-200-foot commercial lot using land sales priced per square foot. Calculating 30,000 square feet allows the appraiser to apply those unit prices to the subject.
More Property Description Questions
A local zoning ordinance allows these maximum densities: R-1, 4 units per acre; R-2, 8 units per acre; R-4, 20 units per acre; PUD (with approval), 12 units per acre. Which category allows the highest density?
What design advantage is commonly associated with post-and-beam construction?
A hypothetical local ordinance permits either a single-family house or duplex on the site. The existing single-family house complies with all current rules. Which statement is supported?
A zoning variance allowing a reduced side setback is granted for a parcel. After the parcel is sold, who generally holds the benefit of the variance, subject to its conditions?
Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Under ANSI Z765-2021, as Fannie Mae requires for a detached house, where are exterior dimensions taken on a brick-veneer wall?
A building's HVAC system would be classified as which type of building component?
A home on a large tract is valued at $620,000 including the land it needs. The remaining excess land could be sold separately and contributes a net $95,000 after separation costs. What is the total indicated value?
A covered sale concerns a residence built in 1965. Which hazard is the subject of the federal pre 1978 housing disclosure rule, without assuming its actual presence?
Which site characteristic is most likely to reduce site utility by restricting where a typical dwelling can be placed?
People Also Study
Real Estate Market
13.6% of exam
Land or Site Valuation
4.5% of exam
Sales Comparison Approach
16.4% of exam
Cost Approach
13.6% of exam
Income Approach
8.2% of exam