In the rectangular survey system, how many acres are contained in one section?
Correct Answer
C) 640 acres
In the rectangular (government) survey system, one section contains 640 acres. A section is one square mile, and there are 36 sections in a township.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because one section in the rectangular survey system equals exactly 640 acres. A section is defined as one square mile, and since there are 640 acres in a square mile, this is the standard measurement. This is a fixed relationship established by the U.S. government survey system and is used consistently across all states that employ this land description method.
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 within a section but is only one-fourth of the total acreage.
Option B: 320 acres
320 acres represents a half section, which is exactly half of the total acreage in a section. This is another common subdivision but not the full section measurement.
Option D: 1,280 acres
1,280 acres would represent two full sections combined, which is double the actual acreage of a single section. This exceeds the standard section measurement.
Six-Forty Section Rule
Remember 'SIX-FORTY SECTION' - the number 640 contains the key digits 6 and 4, which relate to the 6x6 township grid, and 640 is the exact number of acres in one section.
How to use: When you see any question about section acreage, immediately think 'SIX-FORTY SECTION' and recall that 640 is the magic number for one section in the rectangular survey system.
Exam Tip
Write down the basic rectangular survey measurements at the start of your exam: 1 section = 640 acres, 1 township = 36 sections, 1 township = 6 miles × 6 miles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing section acreage with quarter-section (160 acres) or half-section (320 acres)
- -Mixing up township size (36 sections) with section size (640 acres)
- -Forgetting that sections are always one square mile regardless of location within the 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 townships, which are further subdivided into 36 sections, each measuring one square mile. Understanding the acreage contained in each section is fundamental to property description and measurement in real estate appraisal. This system provides a precise, uniform method for identifying and describing land parcels.
Background Knowledge
The rectangular survey system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to create a standardized method for describing land in the United States. The system creates a grid pattern where townships are 6 miles by 6 miles (36 square miles) and are divided into 36 sections, each being 1 square mile or 640 acres.
Real-World Application
When appraising rural properties or large land parcels, appraisers frequently encounter legal descriptions using the rectangular survey system. Understanding that each section contains 640 acres helps in calculating property sizes, comparing sales, and determining land values per acre for agricultural or development properties.
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