This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of shells, scripting and data management. 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.
An administrator needs to find files that have been modified within the last 24 hours. Which two parameters are valid for the find command to accomplish this? (Choose TWO)
-mmin 1440
Matches files modified within the last 1440 minutes (24 hours).
-mtime 0
Matches files modified within the last 24 hours (0 days ago).
-ctime 0
Why wrong: Matches based on change time (metadata), not modification time.
-newer file
Why wrong: Compares modification time to a reference file, not absolute time.
-atime 1
Why wrong: Matches based on access time, not modification time.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
-mmin 1440
Option A is correct because `-mmin 1440` matches files whose data modification time is exactly 1440 minutes (24 hours) ago. Option B is correct because `-mtime 0` matches files modified within the last 24 hours (0 days ago). Both parameters target the modification time (`mtime`) and correctly interpret the time range as 'within the last 24 hours'.
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.
-mmin 1440
Why this is correct
Matches files modified within the last 1440 minutes (24 hours).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
-mtime 0
Why this is correct
Matches files modified within the last 24 hours (0 days ago).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
-ctime 0
Why it's wrong here
Matches based on change time (metadata), not modification time.
-newer file
Why it's wrong here
Compares modification time to a reference file, not absolute time.
-atime 1
Why it's wrong here
Matches based on access time, not modification time.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing `-mtime` with `-atime` or `-ctime`, and misunderstanding that `-mtime 0` means 'within the last 24 hours' while `-atime 1` means 'between 24 and 48 hours ago', not 'within the last day'.
Detailed technical explanation
The `find` command's `-mtime` parameter uses fractional days rounded down; `-mtime 0` means files modified less than 24 hours ago, while `-mtime 1` means between 24 and 48 hours ago. The `-mmin` parameter provides finer granularity in minutes, so `-mmin 1440` is equivalent to `-mtime 0` but avoids rounding issues. In scripts, using `-mmin` is often preferred for precise time windows, especially when combined with `-daystart` to align with calendar days.
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 LPIC-1 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.
Shells, Scripting and Data Management — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Shells, Scripting and Data Management practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-1 questions
522 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-1 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 LPIC-1 questions linked to GNU and Unix Commands.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Devices, Filesystems and FHS.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Linux Installation and Package Management.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Essential System Services and Networking.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Administrative Tasks.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Shells, Scripting and Data Management.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to System Architecture.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 scenario.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Shells, Scripting and Data Management — This question tests Shells, Scripting and Data Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: -mmin 1440 — Option A is correct because `-mmin 1440` matches files whose data modification time is exactly 1440 minutes (24 hours) ago. Option B is correct because `-mtime 0` matches files modified within the last 24 hours (0 days ago). Both parameters target the modification time (`mtime`) and correctly interpret the time range as 'within the last 24 hours'.
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 25, 2026
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 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.