LFCS Essential Commands Practice Question
Exhibit
NAME MAJ:MIN RM SIZE RO TYPE MOUNTPOINT sda 8:0 0 20G 0 disk ├─sda1 8:1 0 512M 0 part /boot └─sda2 8:2 0 19.5G 0 part / sdb 8:16 0 10G 0 disk └─sdb1 8:17 0 10G 0 part /data
Refer to the exhibit.
The /data directory needs to be resized to 15GB. What is the first step?
⚠ Common exam trap
Linux Foundation often tests the misconception that you can resize the filesystem first with resize2fs while it is still mounted, but the correct sequence always begins with unmounting to ensure data integrity.
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
✓
Unmount the filesystem.
The first step to resize a filesystem is to unmount it, because most filesystem resizing tools (such as resize2fs for ext4) require the filesystem to be unmounted to safely modify the underlying block device without risking data corruption. Attempting to resize a mounted filesystem can lead to inconsistent metadata and data loss. Unmounting ensures no processes are actively writing to the filesystem during the resize operation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Unmount the filesystem.
Why this is correct
Unmounting is necessary before any resize operation.
- ✗
Resize the partition using fdisk.
Why it's wrong here
The partition must be unmounted before modifying it with fdisk.
- ✗
Create a new partition and copy data.
Why it's wrong here
This is an alternative approach, but not the first step; unmounting is still required.
- ✗
Resize the filesystem using resize2fs.
Why it's wrong here
The filesystem must be unmounted before resizing.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.