Quick Answer
The answer is 7.7G. This is the correct choice because the free command displays memory statistics in rows and columns, and the 'total' column under the Mem row shows the total physical RAM installed on the system, which is 7.7G. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, you will often see the free command output in an exhibit, testing your ability to distinguish between total, used, free, and available memory. A common trap is confusing the 'used' value (7.5G) or the 'free' value (0.1G) with the total installed RAM, or assuming a round number like 8.0G without verifying the output. To remember: always look at the 'total' column for Mem, not the 'used' or 'free' columns, as total is the hardware-installed capacity. A quick memory tip: "Total tells the truth, used is just the proof."
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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.
Output of 'free -h':
total used free shared buff/cache available
Mem: 7.7G 7.5G 0.1G 0.0G 0.1G 0.1G
Swap: 2.0G 1.2G 0.8GRefer to the exhibit. What is the total amount of RAM installed on the system?
Output of 'free -h':
total used free shared buff/cache available
Mem: 7.7G 7.5G 0.1G 0.0G 0.1G 0.1G
Swap: 2.0G 1.2G 0.8G7.7G
The total column shows 7.7G.
7.5G
Why wrong: This is the used RAM, not total.
8.0G
Why wrong: Not present in the output.
0.1G
Why wrong: This is free RAM, not total.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
7.7G
Option B is correct because the 'total' column for Mem shows 7.7G. Options A, C, D are incorrect: 7.5G is used, 8.0G is not shown, 0.1G is free.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
7.7G
Why this is correct
The total column shows 7.7G.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
7.5G
Why it's wrong here
This is the used RAM, not total.
8.0G
Why it's wrong here
Not present in the output.
0.1G
Why it's wrong here
This is free RAM, not total.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Not present in the output.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 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.
What to study next
Identify which XK0-005 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.
System Management — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
System Management practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All XK0-005 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Security.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to System Management.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 fundamentals.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 scenario.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 7.7G — Option B is correct because the 'total' column for Mem shows 7.7G. Options A, C, D are incorrect: 7.5G is used, 8.0G is not shown, 0.1G is free.
Identify which XK0-005 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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.