Google PCA Practice Question: Analyze and optimize technical and business processes
A startup deploys a web application on Compute Engine instances behind an HTTP load balancer. They need to handle unpredictable spikes in traffic with minimal operational overhead. What is the simplest scaling approach?
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
✓
Use a managed instance group with autoscaling based on CPU utilization
Using a managed instance group with autoscaling automatically adds/removes instances based on demand, requiring minimal manual intervention. Other options either require more complex setup or are not optimal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set up a Kubernetes cluster with horizontal pod autoscaling
Why it's wrong here
Kubernetes adds complexity beyond what is needed for a simple web app.
- ✓
Use a managed instance group with autoscaling based on CPU utilization
Why this is correct
This is the simplest approach; it scales automatically with minimal configuration.
- ✗
Migrate the application to Cloud Run
Why it's wrong here
This would require significant application changes and is not the simplest solution.
- ✗
Add more instances manually during peak hours
Why it's wrong here
Manual scaling is not minimal overhead and does not react automatically.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Google Cloud Compute Options Overview
Key term
Load balancer
A load balancer is a device or software that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers so no single server gets overwhelmed.
Key term
HTTP
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the set of rules web browsers and servers use to communicate and transfer web pages over the internet.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCA exam.