FC0-U71 Tech Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
A digital image is stored in a file that retains all original data without any loss. Later, the file is compressed using a technique that discards some data to reduce file size, but the image quality is lower. Which type of compression was applied?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may confuse 'archive compression' with lossy compression because ZIP archives are common, but ZIP is lossless; the key is to focus on the phrase 'discards some data' which unambiguously points to lossy.
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
✓
Lossy compression
Lossy compression permanently discards some data to achieve smaller file sizes, and the resulting image quality is reduced — which matches the scenario where the file was originally lossless but then compressed with quality loss. The question explicitly states that data is discarded and quality is lower, which is the defining characteristic of lossy compression.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Archive compression
Why it's wrong here
Archive compression is a container format bundling multiple files, not an algorithm that discards image data, so it does not explain the quality loss. It is tempting because archiving shrinks stored data, and would be correct when packaging several files into one distributable unit.
- ✗
Lossless compression
Why it's wrong here
Lossless compression preserves every original bit, so quality cannot degrade; the stem describes discarded data and reduced quality. It is tempting because it is the technique applied to the image before the second compression, and would be correct if the file had to be restored byte-for-byte.
- ✗
File compression
Why it's wrong here
File compression is a generic term covering both lossless and lossy methods, so it does not identify the technique that discarded data. It is tempting because any size reduction is loosely called file compression, and would be correct if the question asked only whether compression occurred.
- ✓
Lossy compression
Why this is correct
Lossy compression permanently discards data during encoding to shrink file size, which is why the decompressed image shows reduced quality. Lossless techniques such as PNG or ZIP preserve every original pixel, so the observed degradation confirms the lossy method was applied.
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Same concept, more angles
6 more ways this is tested on FC0-U71
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. Which of the following is an example of lossy compression?
medium- ✓ A.JPEG
- B.GIF
- C.PNG
- D.ZIP
Why A: JPEG is a lossy compression format that discards some image data to achieve smaller file sizes, making it the correct example. It uses DCT and quantization to reduce detail, especially in high-frequency areas, which is acceptable for photographs but not for text or line art.
Variation 2. A user wants to save a photo with the highest quality but does not care about file size. Which file format should they use?
medium- A.JPEG
- B.ZIP
- ✓ C.PNG
- D.MP3
Why C: PNG uses lossless compression, so it preserves every pixel of the original photo without discarding detail, making it the best choice when quality matters more than file size. It also supports full color depth and alpha transparency, which JPEG cannot match.
Variation 3. A user notices that a file saved as a JPEG is smaller than the original BMP file. Which type of compression does JPEG typically use?
medium- ✓ A.Lossy compression
- B.Run-length encoding
- C.Uncompressed
- D.Lossless compression
Why A: JPEG typically uses lossy compression, which reduces file size by permanently discarding some image data, especially high-frequency color details that the human eye is less sensitive to. This is why a JPEG is much smaller than the original BMP, which is uncompressed. The trade-off is a slight loss of quality, but the size reduction is significant.
Variation 4. Which of the following is an example of a lossy compression format?
medium- A.GIF
- B.PNG
- ✓ C.JPEG
- D.ZIP
Why C: JPEG uses lossy compression, discarding perceptually less important image data (via DCT quantization) to achieve high compression ratios, which is why it is ideal for photographs but not for text or line art.
Variation 5. A technician is explaining the difference between lossy and lossless compression to a colleague. Which of the following file formats uses lossy compression?
medium- A.GIF
- B.PNG
- ✓ C.JPEG
- D.ZIP
Why C: JPEG uses lossy compression, discarding some image data (typically high-frequency detail) to achieve much smaller file sizes, which is acceptable for photographs where minor quality loss is imperceptible. This is the defining characteristic of lossy compression.
Variation 6. A graphic designer needs to save an image with high quality and no data loss. Which THREE file formats should the designer consider for lossless compression? (Select THREE.)
medium- ✓ A.TIFF
- ✓ B.ZIP
- ✓ C.PNG
- D.MP3
- E.JPEG
Why A: TIFF (A) is correct because it is a raster image format that supports lossless compression schemes such as LZW and ZIP, preserving every pixel of the original image for high-quality editing and archiving. ZIP (B) is correct because it is a lossless compression format/algorithm that reduces file size without discarding any data, and it is commonly used to compress image files without quality loss. PNG (C) is correct because it is a raster image format designed for lossless compression, using DEFLATE to preserve exact pixel data while supporting transparency. MP3 (D) is not correct because it is a lossy audio codec, not an image format, and it discards audio data to reduce file size. JPEG (E) is not correct because it is a lossy image format that permanently discards visual data during compression, so it cannot meet the no-data-loss requirement.
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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