In the rectangular survey system, a section contains:
Correct Answer
C) 640 acres
In the rectangular (government) survey system, a section is one square mile and contains 640 acres. There are 36 sections in a township, which is 6 miles by 6 miles.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A section in the rectangular survey system is defined as exactly one square mile. Since there are 640 acres in one square mile, a section contains precisely 640 acres. This is a standardized measurement that remains constant throughout the rectangular survey system. The 640-acre section serves as the basic unit from which smaller parcels are typically described and subdivided.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 160 acres
160 acres represents a quarter-section, not a full section. This is a common subdivision of a section but is only one-fourth the size of a complete section.
Option B: 320 acres
320 acres represents a half-section, which is exactly half the size of a full section. This could be formed by dividing a section either north-south or east-west.
Option D: 1,280 acres
1,280 acres would represent two full sections combined. This is twice the size of a single section and is not a standard unit in the rectangular survey system.
The 640 Section Rule
Remember 'Six-Forty Section' - the alliteration helps you recall that a section contains 640 acres. You can also think '64 tens' (64 × 10 = 640) or visualize a square mile as a large city block that contains 640 football fields worth of area.
How to use: When you see any question about section size, immediately think 'Six-Forty Section' and recall that one square mile equals 640 acres. Use this as your baseline to calculate other measurements like quarter-sections (160 acres) or half-sections (320 acres).
Exam Tip
Always double-check section-related calculations by remembering that 640 acres is the foundation. If you see 160, 320, or 1,280 as answer choices, recognize these as fractions or multiples of 640 acres.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing a section (640 acres) with a quarter-section (160 acres)
- -Mixing up township size (36 square miles) with section size (1 square mile)
- -Forgetting that sections are always one square mile regardless of location within the rectangular survey system
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of the rectangular (government) survey system, which is a standardized method of land description used in much of the United States. The system divides land into a grid pattern using townships, ranges, and sections as the primary units of measurement. Understanding the hierarchy and size relationships between these units is fundamental for real estate professionals, as it affects property descriptions, boundaries, and valuations. The section is a key unit in this system, representing one square mile of land area.
Background Knowledge
The rectangular survey system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to create a standardized method for describing and selling public lands. The system creates a grid where townships are 6 miles by 6 miles (containing 36 sections), and each section is 1 mile by 1 mile (640 acres).
Real-World Application
When appraising rural or agricultural properties, appraisers frequently encounter legal descriptions using the rectangular survey system. Understanding that a section contains 640 acres helps in calculating property sizes, comparing sales, and determining appropriate comparable properties within the same section or adjacent sections.
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