easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 A file has permissions -rwxr-x--- Practice Question
A file has permissions -rwxr-x---. The administrator wants to give the group write permission using symbolic mode. Which command is correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the symbolic mode operators (`u`, `g`, `o`) or incorrectly choose numeric mode (like 775) when the question explicitly requires symbolic mode.
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
✓
chmod g+w file
The symbolic mode `g+w` adds write permission to the group owner of the file. The current permissions are `-rwxr-x---`, meaning the group has read and execute (`r-x`) but not write. The `g` stands for group, and `+w` adds write, resulting in `-rwxrwx---`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
chmod 775 file
Why it's wrong here
775 sets rwxrwxr-x, which removes execute from group? Actually 775 gives rwxrwxr-x. But the file currently has rwxr-x---; 775 would change owner and group to rwx? The question asks to add group write; 775 sets group to rwx, but it also affects other permissions. The symbolic mode is more precise.
- ✗
chmod o+w file
Why it's wrong here
o+w adds write for others, not the group.
- ✗
chmod u+w file
Why it's wrong here
u+w adds write for the owner.
- ✓
chmod g+w file
Why this is correct
g+w adds write permission to the group, leaving other permissions unchanged.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.