1. **State the problem:** We are given a scale where 1 inch on the blueprint corresponds to 5 miles in actual distance. The blueprint area of a land section is 3.2 in². We need to find the actual area in square miles. 2. **Formula and rules:** When scaling areas, the scale factor for lengths is squared to find the scale factor for areas. If the scale factor for length is $k$, then the scale factor for area is $k^2$. 3. **Calculate the scale factor for length:** $$k = 5 \text{ miles per inch}$$ 4. **Calculate the scale factor for area:** $$k^2 = 5^2 = 25$$ 5. **Calculate the actual area:** $$\text{Actual Area} = \text{Blueprint Area} \times k^2 = 3.2 \times 25$$ 6. **Perform the multiplication:** $$3.2 \times 25 = 80$$ 7. **Final answer:** The actual area of the land section is **80 square miles**.