- A
Create a RAID 0 array with the existing SSDs and the new SSD using mdadm, then format with XFS and mount at a different mount point, then move data.
Why wrong: RAID 0 would require rebuilding and data migration; not simple expansion.
- B
Shrink other logical volumes in vg_data that are not important to free up space, then extend lv_data.
Why wrong: Shrinking XFS is not supported online; also may not free enough space.
- C
Install the new SSD, create a partition with fdisk, run pvcreate, vgextend vg_data, lvextend -L +500G /dev/vg_data/lv_data, and then run xfs_growfs /data.
Online expansion of XFS is supported; all steps are non-disruptive.
- D
Backup /data to an external drive, delete the logical volume, volume group, and physical volumes, then recreate everything including the new SSD to have a single large filesystem, then restore data.
Why wrong: Unnecessary downtime and data restoration risk.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to install the new SSD, create a partition, run pvcreate, vgextend, lvextend, and then xfs_growfs /data. This sequence is correct because XFS filesystems cannot be shrunk but can be grown online using xfs_growfs, which resizes the filesystem to match the expanded logical volume without requiring an unmount. For the LFCS exam, this scenario tests your understanding of LVM’s hot-add capability and the critical distinction that while ext4 uses resize2fs, XFS exclusively uses xfs_growfs—a common trap where candidates mistakenly try resize2fs on an XFS filesystem. The search intent “extend XFS filesystem LVM online” is directly addressed here: you must first extend the underlying logical volume with lvextend, then grow the filesystem layer with xfs_growfs while it remains mounted. A helpful memory tip is “PV, VG, LV, then growfs”—always add physical storage first, then extend the logical volume, and finally grow the XFS filesystem, never the reverse order.
LFCS Storage Management Practice Question
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of storage management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Your company runs a critical database server that uses a 2TB XFS filesystem mounted at /data. The filesystem resides on an LVM logical volume (lv_data) within a volume group (vg_data) that spans four physical volumes (each 600GB SSD). You have been receiving low-space alerts: /data is at 95% capacity. After reviewing usage, you determine that the database will need an additional 500GB within the next month. The server has no additional physical disks available, but there is an unused 1TB SSD in inventory that you can install. However, the server is in production and cannot be rebooted. The system uses a 5.10 Linux kernel. Which of the following is the best approach to increase the available space for /data?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Install the new SSD, create a partition with fdisk, run pvcreate, vgextend vg_data, lvextend -L +500G /dev/vg_data/lv_data, and then run xfs_growfs /data.
Option C is correct because it follows the proper procedure to add a new physical disk to an existing LVM volume group, extend the logical volume, and then grow the XFS filesystem online without unmounting or rebooting. The `xfs_growfs` command is specifically designed to expand an XFS filesystem while it is mounted, which is essential for a production database server that cannot be rebooted.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a RAID 0 array with the existing SSDs and the new SSD using mdadm, then format with XFS and mount at a different mount point, then move data.
Why it's wrong here
RAID 0 would require rebuilding and data migration; not simple expansion.
- ✗
Shrink other logical volumes in vg_data that are not important to free up space, then extend lv_data.
Why it's wrong here
Shrinking XFS is not supported online; also may not free enough space.
- ✓
Install the new SSD, create a partition with fdisk, run pvcreate, vgextend vg_data, lvextend -L +500G /dev/vg_data/lv_data, and then run xfs_growfs /data.
Why this is correct
Online expansion of XFS is supported; all steps are non-disruptive.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Backup /data to an external drive, delete the logical volume, volume group, and physical volumes, then recreate everything including the new SSD to have a single large filesystem, then restore data.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary downtime and data restoration risk.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think a reboot or unmounting is required to extend an XFS filesystem on LVM, but `xfs_growfs` works online, and the correct sequence of LVM commands (pvcreate, vgextend, lvextend) followed by `xfs_growfs` is the only way to add space without downtime.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
LVM allows online extension of logical volumes and filesystems without unmounting, which is critical for production systems. The `xfs_growfs` command operates at the filesystem level and can grow an XFS filesystem to fill the expanded logical volume, even while the filesystem is mounted and in use. In real-world scenarios, this approach minimizes downtime and avoids complex data migration, making it the standard method for adding capacity to XFS on LVM.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LFCS exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Storage Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LFCS question test?
Storage Management — This question tests Storage Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install the new SSD, create a partition with fdisk, run pvcreate, vgextend vg_data, lvextend -L +500G /dev/vg_data/lv_data, and then run xfs_growfs /data. — Option C is correct because it follows the proper procedure to add a new physical disk to an existing LVM volume group, extend the logical volume, and then grow the XFS filesystem online without unmounting or rebooting. The `xfs_growfs` command is specifically designed to expand an XFS filesystem while it is mounted, which is essential for a production database server that cannot be rebooted.
What should I do if I get this LFCS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.
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