The answer is that the virtual machine is under-provisioned for the current workload, because when an IaaS VM is under-provisioned, it lacks sufficient CPU or RAM to handle the increased demand during peak hours, causing the application to slow down as the host struggles to allocate resources. This is a core concept in cloud computing: a single VM has fixed resources, and when the workload spikes, performance degrades unless you scale up the instance or add more VMs. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of IaaS resource allocation versus other potential causes like local internet issues or power failures, which are less likely to cause consistent peak-hour slowdowns. A common trap is blaming the network first, but the key is to recognize that the problem scales with load, not time of day. Memory tip: think “Peak = Need to Peak” — when usage peaks, the VM’s resources must peak to match.
220-1201 Cloud Computing Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cloud computing concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 user reports that a cloud-hosted application is running very slowly during peak hours. The application is hosted on an IaaS platform with a single virtual machine. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Why wrong: While possible, the issue is specific to peak hours for a single application, suggesting a server-side resource bottleneck rather than a local internet issue.
B
The virtual machine is under-provisioned for the current workload
Under-provisioning means the VM lacks enough CPU or RAM to handle peak demand, causing slowdowns.
C
The cloud provider is experiencing a regional outage
Why wrong: A regional outage would affect many services and users, not just one application during peak hours.
D
The application's power supply is failing
Why wrong: Power supply is a physical hardware concern; in cloud IaaS, the provider manages power, and this would not cause intermittent slowdowns.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The virtual machine is under-provisioned for the current workload
In IaaS, performance issues during peak hours often indicate that the virtual machine lacks sufficient resources (CPU, RAM) to handle increased load. Scaling up the VM or adding more instances can resolve this. Other factors like local internet or power are less likely to be the primary cause.
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.
✗
The user's internet connection is saturated
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the issue is specific to peak hours for a single application, suggesting a server-side resource bottleneck rather than a local internet issue.
✓
The virtual machine is under-provisioned for the current workload
Why this is correct
Under-provisioning means the VM lacks enough CPU or RAM to handle peak demand, causing slowdowns.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The cloud provider is experiencing a regional outage
Why it's wrong here
A regional outage would affect many services and users, not just one application during peak hours.
✗
The application's power supply is failing
Why it's wrong here
Power supply is a physical hardware concern; in cloud IaaS, the provider manages power, and this would not cause intermittent slowdowns.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 220-1201 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Cloud Computing Concepts — This question tests Cloud Computing Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The virtual machine is under-provisioned for the current workload — In IaaS, performance issues during peak hours often indicate that the virtual machine lacks sufficient resources (CPU, RAM) to handle increased load. Scaling up the VM or adding more instances can resolve this. Other factors like local internet or power are less likely to be the primary cause.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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