Under the rectangular survey system, how many acres are contained in one section?
Correct Answer
C) 640 acres
In the rectangular survey system, one section equals 640 acres. A section is one square mile (5,280 feet × 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, giving us 5,280 × 5,280 = 27,878,400 square feet total. Since there are 43,560 square feet in one acre, we divide 27,878,400 by 43,560 to get exactly 640 acres. This is a fundamental measurement that remains constant throughout the rectangular survey system.
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 correct answer and is a common subdivision within the rectangular survey system.
Option B: 320 acres
320 acres represents a half-section, which is exactly half of the correct answer. This could result from confusing sections with their common subdivisions.
Option D: 1,280 acres
1,280 acres is exactly double the correct answer and represents two sections combined. This error might occur from confusing sections with larger land units or miscalculating the conversion.
Six-Four-Zero Rule
Remember 'Six-Four-Zero' (6-4-0): There are 6 miles per township side, 4 quarter-sections per section, and 0 sections smaller than 640 acres. Or use the phrase 'Six Hundred Forty Acres = One Square Mile' and remember that a section IS one square mile.
How to use: When you see any question about sections in the rectangular survey system, immediately think '640 acres = 1 section = 1 square mile.' Use this as your base unit to calculate other measurements like quarter-sections (160 acres) or half-sections (320 acres).
Exam Tip
Always double-check section calculations by remembering that 1 section = 1 square mile = 640 acres. If you forget, you can work backwards: 5,280 feet × 5,280 feet ÷ 43,560 sq ft per acre = 640 acres.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing sections with quarter-sections (160 acres)
- -Mixing up township size (36 square miles) with section size
- -Forgetting to convert square feet to acres in calculations
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of the rectangular survey system (also called the Public Land 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 starting with townships (36 square miles each) that are further subdivided into 36 sections of one square mile each. Understanding the hierarchical structure and mathematical relationships between these units is fundamental for real estate professionals, as it affects property descriptions, boundaries, and valuations. The section is a key unit of measurement that serves as the basis for smaller subdivisions like quarter-sections and quarter-quarter-sections.
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 × 6 miles (36 square miles), and each township contains exactly 36 sections of one square mile each.
Real-World Application
When appraising rural properties, appraisers frequently encounter legal descriptions using the rectangular survey system. Understanding that a section contains 640 acres helps in quickly calculating property sizes, comparing sales of similar-sized parcels, and identifying potential errors in property descriptions or deed references.
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