The correct answer is that the rotate count of 2 does not match the number of archived log files. This is because the logrotate configuration specifies `rotate 2`, which should retain only two archived logs, yet the directory listing shows three archived files (app.log.1, app.log.2, app.log.3), indicating the rotation count is not being enforced correctly. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret configuration exhibits and identify mismatches between policy settings and actual system behavior—a common trap where candidates focus on log file names rather than the count discrepancy. To avoid this, remember the mnemonic “Count the files, not the names”: if the rotate value is X, the directory should never contain more than X archived logs.
PK0-005 Project Life Cycle Phases Practice Question
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of project life cycle phases. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Network Topology
A project manager is reviewing the log rotation configuration for a critical application. Based on the exhibit, which issue exists with the current logrotate setup?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The rotate count of 2 does not match the number of archived log files
The exhibit shows a logrotate configuration with `rotate 2`, meaning only two archived logs should be retained. However, the directory listing displays three archived log files (e.g., app.log.1, app.log.2, app.log.3), which indicates that the rotation count is not being enforced correctly. This mismatch is the direct issue, making option D correct.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The delaycompress directive prevents compression of the most recent rotated log
Why it's wrong here
Delaycompress is valid and ensures the most recent rotated log is not compressed immediately.
✗
The postrotate script should restart the service, not reload
Why it's wrong here
Reload is sufficient for log file reopening.
✗
The logrotate configuration does not specify a size-based rotation
Why it's wrong here
Size-based rotation is not required; daily rotation is specified.
✓
The rotate count of 2 does not match the number of archived log files
Why this is correct
The directory shows three archived files (app.log.1, app.log.2.gz) but rotate is set to 2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus on the `delaycompress` or `postrotate` details, but the real issue is a simple count mismatch between the configured `rotate` value and the actual number of archived files visible in the exhibit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Logrotate uses the `rotate` directive to define the maximum number of archived log files kept before the oldest is removed. When the count is exceeded, logrotate should delete the oldest file (e.g., app.log.3) during the next rotation. The presence of extra archived files suggests either a misconfiguration, manual intervention, or a race condition where logrotate is not executing as scheduled. In production, this can lead to disk space exhaustion if logs grow unchecked.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PK0-005 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Life Cycle Phases — This question tests Project Life Cycle Phases — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rotate count of 2 does not match the number of archived log files — The exhibit shows a logrotate configuration with `rotate 2`, meaning only two archived logs should be retained. However, the directory listing displays three archived log files (e.g., app.log.1, app.log.2, app.log.3), which indicates that the rotation count is not being enforced correctly. This mismatch is the direct issue, making option D correct.
What should I do if I get this PK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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