Quick Answer
The answer is only i-0abcd1234 because the Reserved Instance discount applies to running instances that exactly match the instance size specified in the reservation, unless you have purchased a size-flexible RI family. In this scenario, the t3.micro RI covers the running t3.micro instance, while the t3.medium is a larger size and does not qualify under standard size-specific coverage, and the stopped instance is not running, so no discount is applied. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of Reserved Instance discount scope and size flexibility—a common trap is assuming all instances in the same family are covered regardless of size, or that stopped instances still receive the benefit. Remember that for standard RIs, discount is tied to the exact instance size and running state; only regional RIs offer size flexibility across the family. Memory tip: “Same size, same state—discount is great; stopped or bigger, no discount figure.”
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of cost and performance optimization. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company has three EC2 instances as shown in the exhibit. The company pays for a t3.micro Reserved Instance. Which instance(s) will receive the RI discount?
Only i-0abcd1234
RI applies to running t3.micro instance.
i-0abcd1234 and i-0abcd5678
Why wrong: Stopped instances do not receive RI discount.
i-0abcd1234 and i-0abcd9012
Why wrong: t3.medium is not covered by t3.micro RI.
All three instances
Why wrong: Only one instance qualifies.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Only i-0abcd1234
Option A is correct because RI discounts apply to running instances of the same instance size (or size flexible family). The t3.micro RI covers t3.micro instances; the t3.medium is larger and not covered. The stopped instance does not run, so no discount. Option B is wrong because the stopped instance does not run. Option C is wrong because t3.medium is not covered. Option D is wrong because only the t3.micro running instance qualifies.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Only i-0abcd1234
Why this is correct
RI applies to running t3.micro instance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
i-0abcd1234 and i-0abcd5678
Why it's wrong here
Stopped instances do not receive RI discount.
i-0abcd1234 and i-0abcd9012
Why it's wrong here
t3.medium is not covered by t3.micro RI.
All three instances
Why it's wrong here
Only one instance qualifies.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Identify which SOA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Cost and Performance Optimization — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Cost and Performance Optimization practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SOA-C02 questions
1,546 questions across all exam domains
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SOA-C02 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to Reliability and Business Continuity.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to Security and Compliance.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to Networking and Content Delivery.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to Cost and Performance Optimization.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to SOA-C02 fundamentals.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to SOA-C02 scenario.
Practise SOA-C02 questions linked to SOA-C02 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Cost and Performance Optimization — This question tests Cost and Performance Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Only i-0abcd1234 — Option A is correct because RI discounts apply to running instances of the same instance size (or size flexible family). The t3.micro RI covers t3.micro instances; the t3.medium is larger and not covered. The stopped instance does not run, so no discount. Option B is wrong because the stopped instance does not run. Option C is wrong because t3.medium is not covered. Option D is wrong because only the t3.micro running instance qualifies.
Identify which SOA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SOA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SOA-C02 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.