A lot measures 150 feet by 200 feet. How many acres is this?
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:53
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
Approximately 0.69 acres
Approximately 1.5 acres
This answer incorrectly doubles the actual result. Students might mistakenly use 21,780 sq ft per acre instead of 43,560, or they might have multiplied the dimensions incorrectly by using 200 x 200 instead of 150 x 200.
Approximately 0.34 acres
This answer is approximately half the correct value. Students might have incorrectly divided by 87,120 (double the correct conversion factor) or made a calculation error in the division step.
Approximately 2.0 acres
This answer is nearly triple the correct value. Students might have forgotten to divide by the conversion factor at all, or used 15,000 sq ft per acre instead of 43,560, significantly overestimating the acreage.
Why is this correct?
CORRECT_ANSWER
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Understanding area calculations is fundamental in real estate practice because property value is directly tied to its size. Agents frequently need to convert between different measurement units when listing properties, calculating land values, or determining zoning compliance. This question tests the ability to calculate area in square feet and convert it to acres, a crucial skill when working with property listings, development potential, or land use analysis. The core concept involves multiplying length by width to get square footage, then dividing by the standard conversion factor of 43,560 square feet per acre. What makes this question challenging is the need to remember the exact conversion factor between square feet and acres, and to perform accurate division without a calculator. This connects to broader real estate knowledge including property valuation, development potential assessment, and compliance with zoning regulations that often specify minimum lot sizes in acres.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
The acre is a unit of land measurement used throughout the United States and other countries. Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages when it represented the amount of land tillable by one man behind an ox in one day. The standard conversion factor of 43,560 square feet per acre was established in the 1950s. Understanding acreage is essential in real estate because property values, zoning regulations, development rights, and agricultural assessments are all commonly based on acre measurements. Different states may have specific requirements for minimum lot sizes expressed in acres, making this conversion a critical calculation for real estate professionals.
Imagine a football field (including end zones) is about 1.32 acres. Picture a little more than half a football field when visualizing 0.69 acres.
When calculating acreage, compare your result to a football field to estimate if your answer seems reasonable. If it's close to a full field, it should be around 1.3 acres; if about half, around 0.65 acres.
Remember that 43,560 sq ft = 1 acre. For quick estimation, 40,000 sq ft is roughly 0.92 acres, so 30,000 sq ft should be less than that - option A is the only reasonable choice.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
A buyer is interested in a 150' x 200' lot to build their dream home. As the listing agent, you need to confirm the lot size in acres for the MLS listing and to discuss zoning requirements with the buyer. You calculate the area (30,000 sq ft) and convert to acres (0.69 acres) to verify it meets the minimum 0.5-acre requirement for single-family homes in that jurisdiction. This calculation also helps you determine if the lot size is comparable to others in the neighborhood when setting the listing price.
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