The answer is find /var/log -mtime -1. This command is correct because the -mtime flag in the find utility searches for files based on their last modification time, and using a negative number with -mtime, such as -1, means “modified less than 1 day ago,” effectively finding files changed within the last 24 hours. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file management and the find command’s time-based options, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where you need to locate recent log entries. A common trap is confusing -mtime with -ctime (change time) or -atime (access time), or forgetting that a positive number (e.g., +1) finds files older than one day, not newer. To remember: think of the minus sign as “minus time” or “less than” — so -1 means “less than one day ago,” perfect for finding files modified in the last 24 hours.
220-1102 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. 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 system administrator needs to find all files in /var/log that have been modified in the last 24 hours to check for recent activity. Which command accomplishes this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
find /var/log -mtime -1
The correct answer is A because find /var/log -mtime -1 finds files modified less than 1 day ago. The -mtime flag with a negative number means modified within the last n days.
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.
✓
find /var/log -mtime -1
Why this is correct
This correctly finds files modified within the last 24 hours using -mtime -1.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
find /var/log -atime -1
Why it's wrong here
This finds files accessed, not modified, in the last 24 hours, which is not the requirement.
✗
find /var/log -ctime -1
Why it's wrong here
This finds files with changed status (metadata) in the last 24 hours, not content modification.
✗
find /var/log -mmin -1440
Why it's wrong here
This would work but uses minutes; -mtime -1 is more standard for daily checks, and -mmin -1440 is equivalent but less common.
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 220-1202 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 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: find /var/log -mtime -1 — The correct answer is A because find /var/log -mtime -1 finds files modified less than 1 day ago. The -mtime flag with a negative number means modified within the last n days.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A junior admin needs to list all files in /var/log that were modified in the last 24 hours. Which command accomplishes this?
easy
A.ls -la /var/log | grep '24 hours'
✓ B.find /var/log -mtime 0
C.find /var/log -atime 0
D.locate /var/log | sort -m
Why B: This tests the find command with the -mtime option, which filters files by modification time. find /var/log -mtime 0 finds files modified within the last 24 hours.
Variation 2. During a forensic investigation, an analyst needs to list all files in a directory that have been modified in the last 24 hours, including hidden files, and display the results with full path and timestamp. Which command should they use?
Why B: The find command with -mtime -1 finds files modified less than 1 day ago, and -ls displays detailed information including full path and timestamp. This is efficient for forensic searches.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1202 exam.
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