Question

how did the homestead act of 1862 help spur westward migration?
it gave tax cuts for americans, called the homestead exemption
it gave approximately 160 acres of free land to settlers, if they lived on and farmed the land
it provided homes for homeless people, the first time the us government intervened in such a way
it funded the construction of the first transcontinental railroad

Explanation:

The Homestead Act of 1862 was designed to encourage westward migration by offering accessible land to settlers. The core provision was granting 160 acres of public land to individuals who met the requirements of residing on and improving the land through farming. The other options are incorrect: there was no "Homestead Exemption" tax cut tied to this act, it did not focus on housing the homeless, and it was not related to funding the Transcontinental Railroad.

Answer:

It gave approximately 160 acres of free land to settlers, if they lived on and farmed the land