In the rectangular survey system, how many acres are contained in one section?
Correct Answer
C) 640 acres
One section in the rectangular survey system contains 640 acres, which is one square mile (5,280 feet x 5,280 feet = 27,878,400 square feet ÷ 43,560 square feet per acre = 640 acres).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C (640 acres) is correct because one section equals exactly one square mile in the rectangular survey system. A square mile measures 5,280 feet on each side, which equals 27,878,400 square feet total. Since there are 43,560 square feet in one acre, dividing 27,878,400 by 43,560 gives us exactly 640 acres. This is a fundamental measurement that has been standardized since the Land Ordinance of 1785.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 160 acres
160 acres represents one-quarter section, not a full section. This is a common subdivision within the rectangular survey system.
Option B: 320 acres
320 acres represents one-half section, which is another common subdivision but not the full section measurement.
Option D: 1,280 acres
1,280 acres would represent two full sections, which is double the actual size of one section.
The 6-4-0 Rule
Remember '6-4-0' - Six hundred and forty acres. Think 'SIX-FOUR-ZERO' as three separate numbers that build the total: 6 (hundreds) + 4 (tens) + 0 (ones) = 640.
How to use: When you see any question about section size in the rectangular survey system, immediately think '6-4-0' and reconstruct 640 acres. This works because it's the only standard section size.
Exam Tip
If you forget the exact number, remember that a section is one square mile, and you can quickly calculate: 5,280 × 5,280 ÷ 43,560 = 640 acres.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing a section with a quarter-section (160 acres)
- -Mixing up section size with township size
- -Forgetting that sections are always one square mile regardless of location
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 of land description used in most western and midwestern states. The system divides land into a grid of townships and sections, with each section representing one square mile of land. Understanding the hierarchical structure of this system is fundamental for real estate appraisers, as it affects property descriptions, boundaries, and valuations. The section is the basic unit of measurement in this system, and knowing its exact acreage is essential for calculating property sizes and understanding legal descriptions.
Background Knowledge
The rectangular survey system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to create a systematic method for surveying and describing land in the expanding United States. Each township contains 36 sections, and each section contains exactly 640 acres or one square mile.
Real-World Application
When appraising rural properties, appraisers frequently encounter legal descriptions that reference sections, quarter-sections, or other subdivisions. Knowing that a section contains 640 acres allows quick calculation of property sizes from legal descriptions like 'the NE 1/4 of Section 15' (which would be 160 acres).
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