Quick Answer
The answer is 2 days for the total float of task C. This is correct because total float, also known as slack, represents how long a task can be delayed without pushing out the project finish date, and it is calculated using the critical path method (CPM) formula: LS minus ES or LF minus EF. In the network diagram, task C’s early start is day 2 and late start is day 4, so 4 minus 2 equals 2 days of float. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this total float calculation in CPM tests your ability to perform forward and backward passes, a core scheduling skill often presented with a diagram where you must identify the critical path first. A common trap is confusing total float with free float, which only considers delays to the next task, not the project end date. Remember the mnemonic “LS minus ES, or LF minus EF, gives you the slack you can keep.”
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of tools and documentation. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. ``` TASK DURATION PREDECESSORS A 3 days none B 2 days A C 4 days A D 1 day B, C E 2 days D ```
Refer to the exhibit. What is the total float for task C?
Refer to the exhibit. ``` TASK DURATION PREDECESSORS A 3 days none B 2 days A C 4 days A D 1 day B, C E 2 days D ```
1 day
Why wrong: Calculation shows 2 days, not 1.
0 days
Why wrong: Task C is not on the critical path, so float is not zero.
2 days
Task C has 2 days of float because the critical path is shorter.
3 days
Why wrong: Incorrect calculation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
2 days
Total float (also called slack) is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project end date. Using the forward pass/backward pass method on the network diagram, task C has an early start (ES) of day 2, early finish (EF) of day 5, late start (LS) of day 4, and late finish (LF) of day 7. Total float = LS - ES = 4 - 2 = 2 days, or LF - EF = 7 - 5 = 2 days.
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.
1 day
Why it's wrong here
Calculation shows 2 days, not 1.
0 days
Why it's wrong here
Task C is not on the critical path, so float is not zero.
2 days
Why this is correct
Task C has 2 days of float because the critical path is shorter.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
3 days
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect calculation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse total float with free float (the amount a task can be delayed without affecting the early start of its successor), or they mistakenly assume any task with multiple dependencies has zero float, leading them to pick 0 days.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Calculation shows 2 days, not 1.
Detailed technical explanation
Total float is calculated using the critical path method (CPM), which requires a forward pass to determine early start/finish and a backward pass to determine late start/finish. In this network, task C has a dependency on task A (FS) and is a predecessor to task E; the backward pass must respect that task E's late start (day 7) constrains task C's late finish. A real-world scenario where this matters is in resource leveling: knowing that task C has 2 days of float allows the project manager to delay it to smooth resource usage without impacting the project end date.
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 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Tools and Documentation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Tools and Documentation practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PK0-005 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PK0-005 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 PK0-005 questions linked to Project Life Cycle Phases.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Basics of IT Infrastructure and IT Project Management.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Project Management Concepts.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Tools and Documentation.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to PK0-005 fundamentals.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to PK0-005 scenario.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to PK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Tools and Documentation — This question tests Tools and Documentation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 2 days — Total float (also called slack) is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project end date. Using the forward pass/backward pass method on the network diagram, task C has an early start (ES) of day 2, early finish (EF) of day 5, late start (LS) of day 4, and late finish (LF) of day 7. Total float = LS - ES = 4 - 2 = 2 days, or LF - EF = 7 - 5 = 2 days.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PK0-005 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 PK0-005 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.