Quick Answer
The answer is `free -h` and `cat /proc/meminfo`. These two commands are correct because `free -h` provides a concise, human-readable summary of total, used, and free physical memory and swap space, while `cat /proc/meminfo` reads the kernel’s raw memory statistics directly from the virtual filesystem, offering granular details like cached, buffered, and available memory. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between user-friendly utilities and direct kernel interfaces for memory inspection—a common trap is confusing `free` with `vmstat` or `top`, which show dynamic usage rather than a static snapshot. Remember that `free -h` is your quick glance, while `/proc/meminfo` is the deep dive; a handy mnemonic is “Free for the forest, proc for the trees.”
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. 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.
Which TWO commands can be used to display the amount of free and used memory on a Linux system?
df -h
Why wrong: df shows disk partition usage, not memory.
du -sh
Why wrong: du shows disk usage of files/directories.
free -h
free displays memory usage in human-readable format.
cat /proc/meminfo
/proc/meminfo contains detailed memory information.
iostat
Why wrong: iostat reports CPU and I/O statistics.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
free -h
The `free -h` command displays the total, used, and free physical memory (RAM) and swap space in a human-readable format. The `cat /proc/meminfo` command reads the kernel's memory statistics directly from the virtual filesystem, providing detailed information about memory usage, including free, available, buffered, and cached memory. Both commands are standard tools for inspecting memory utilization on a Linux system.
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.
df -h
Why it's wrong here
df shows disk partition usage, not memory.
du -sh
Why it's wrong here
du shows disk usage of files/directories.
free -h
Why this is correct
free displays memory usage in human-readable format.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
cat /proc/meminfo
Why this is correct
/proc/meminfo contains detailed memory information.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
iostat
Why it's wrong here
iostat reports CPU and I/O statistics.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between disk space commands (`df`, `du`) and memory commands (`free`, `/proc/meminfo`), trapping candidates who confuse filesystem usage with RAM usage.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
df shows disk partition usage, not memory.
Detailed technical explanation
The `free` command reads data from `/proc/meminfo` and formats it for human consumption; the `-h` flag uses powers of 1024 (binary) for sizes. `/proc/meminfo` exposes kernel counters such as MemTotal, MemFree, Buffers, Cached, and SwapTotal, which are updated in real time. In a real-world scenario, high 'available' memory (MemAvailable) in `/proc/meminfo` indicates the system can still start new applications without swapping, even if 'free' memory appears low due to caching.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Troubleshooting 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
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: free -h — The `free -h` command displays the total, used, and free physical memory (RAM) and swap space in a human-readable format. The `cat /proc/meminfo` command reads the kernel's memory statistics directly from the virtual filesystem, providing detailed information about memory usage, including free, available, buffered, and cached memory. Both commands are standard tools for inspecting memory utilization on a Linux system.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 30, 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.