In the rectangular survey system, a section contains how many acres?
Correct Answer
C) 640 acres
A section in the rectangular survey system is one square mile, which equals 640 acres (1 mile × 1 mile = 640 acres). This is a fundamental unit in the government survey system.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A section is defined as one square mile in the rectangular survey system, and one square mile contains exactly 640 acres. This is calculated as 5,280 feet × 5,280 feet = 27,878,400 square feet, which when divided by 43,560 square feet per acre equals 640 acres. This is a standardized measurement that has been consistent since the establishment of the Public Land Survey System in 1785.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 160 acres
160 acres represents a quarter-section, not a full section. This is one-fourth of the total area of a section.
Option B: 320 acres
320 acres represents a half-section, which is half the area of a full section. This could be either the north half or south half of a section.
Option D: 1,280 acres
1,280 acres would represent two full sections combined, which is twice the area of a single section. No standard survey unit in the rectangular system equals this amount.
Six-Forty Section Rule
Remember 'SIX-FORTY SECTION' - the number 640 contains the word 'SIX' and a section is always 640 acres. Also use the phrase 'Square Mile = SIX-FORTY' where the 'SIX' helps you remember 640.
How to use: When you see any question about section size, immediately think 'SIX-FORTY SECTION' and recall that one square mile always equals 640 acres in the rectangular survey system.
Exam Tip
Memorize the basic conversions: 1 section = 640 acres, 1/2 section = 320 acres, 1/4 section = 160 acres. These numbers appear frequently in different question formats.
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 all sections are the same size regardless of their number (1-36) within a township
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), also known as the rectangular survey system, which is the primary method used to survey and identify land parcels in much of the United States. The system creates a grid of townships and sections, with each section representing a specific area measurement that appraisers must know for property identification and area calculations. Understanding section size is fundamental because many property descriptions and area calculations in rural and suburban areas reference sections, quarter-sections, and other fractional parts. This knowledge is essential for reading legal descriptions and calculating property areas accurately.
Background Knowledge
The Public Land Survey System divides land into townships (36 square miles each) and sections (1 square mile each), with each township containing 36 sections numbered 1-36. One square mile equals 640 acres, making this the standard size for all sections in the system.
Real-World Application
When appraising rural properties, legal descriptions often reference sections like 'the SW 1/4 of Section 15' (160 acres) or 'the N 1/2 of Section 22' (320 acres). Appraisers need to quickly calculate property sizes from these descriptions for area analysis and comparable property selection.
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