XK0-006 System Management Practice Question
A system administrator runs 'umask 027' in a Bash shell. What will be the default permissions for a new directory created in that shell? (Assume no other umask changes.)
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between file and directory base permissions (666 vs 777) and the fact that umask subtracts from the base, not from a fixed value like 755.
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
✓
rwxr-x--- (750)
The umask value 027 subtracts permissions from the base 777 for directories. 777 minus 027 equals 750, which translates to rwxr-x---. The owner gets full permissions (rwx), the group gets read and execute (r-x), and others get no permissions (---).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
rwxrwxr-x (775)
Why it's wrong here
That would be umask 002.
- ✗
rwxrwxrwx (777)
Why it's wrong here
That would be umask 000.
- ✗
rw-rw-r-- (664)
Why it's wrong here
That is typical for files, not directories.
- ✓
rwxr-x--- (750)
Why this is correct
Correct: 777 - 027 = 750.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
File Permissions and Ownership
Key term
Bash
Bash is a command-line interpreter that lets users interact with an operating system by typing text commands instead of clicking icons.
Key term
Value
Value is the perceived worth, benefit, or usefulness that a service, product, or activity delivers to stakeholders, especially customers and the business.
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