The answer is that /dev/sda2 is an extended partition. This is correct because in lsblk output, an extended partition is identified by having no filesystem or mount point, while acting as a parent container for logical partitions like sda5, which appear indented beneath it. On the LPIC-1 exam, this tests your ability to interpret disk layout from tools like lsblk and fdisk, where extended partitions use partition type ID 5 and cannot be formatted directly. A common trap is confusing extended partitions with primary partitions that also lack a filesystem—remember that only extended partitions will have logical partitions nested under them in the tree view. For a quick memory tip, think “Extended = Envelope”: it holds logical partitions inside, just like an envelope holds letters, so if you see a partition with children in lsblk, it’s extended.
LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
$ lsblk
NAME MAJ:MIN RM SIZE RO TYPE MOUNTPOINT
sda 8:0 0 232.9G 0 disk
├─sda1 8:1 0 487M 0 part /boot
├─sda2 8:2 0 1K 0 part
└─sda5 8:5 0 232.4G 0 part
├─vg-root (dm-0) 252:0 0 50G 0 lvm /
└─vg-home (dm-1) 252:1 0 100G 0 lvm /home
sdb 8:16 0 232.9G 0 disk
└─sdb1 8:17 0 232.9G 0 part
└─vg-data (dm-2) 252:2 0 200G 0 lvm /data
Based on the lsblk output, which of the following is true?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The partition /dev/sda2 is an extended partition.
Option C is correct because in the lsblk output, /dev/sda2 is listed as a partition of type 'Extended' (typically shown as 'Extended' or with a partition type ID of 5 in fdisk). Extended partitions cannot be directly formatted or mounted; they serve as containers for logical partitions (e.g., sda5). The lsblk output would show sda2 with no filesystem or mount point, and sda5 would appear as a child of sda2, confirming sda2 is extended.
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 disk /dev/sdb has an extended partition.
Why it's wrong here
sdb1 is a single partition, no extended.
✗
The root filesystem is mounted from /dev/sda5.
Why it's wrong here
Root is on LVM volume /dev/mapper/vg-root.
✓
The partition /dev/sda2 is an extended partition.
Why this is correct
Size 1K and no mount point indicate extended partition.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The disk /dev/sda has a primary partition sda5.
Why it's wrong here
sda5 is a logical partition (number >4).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse partition numbering with partition type, assuming that any partition numbered 5 or higher is automatically a primary partition, when in fact on MBR disks, partitions 5+ are always logical partitions inside an extended partition.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
On MBR-partitioned disks, partition numbers 1-4 are reserved for primary partitions, and numbers 5+ are logical partitions inside an extended partition. The extended partition itself (e.g., sda2) acts as a container and cannot hold a filesystem directly. The lsblk command shows the partition hierarchy, with logical partitions indented under the extended partition. In real-world scenarios, understanding this is crucial when resizing or adding partitions, as logical partitions depend on the extended partition's boundaries.
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 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
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.
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The partition /dev/sda2 is an extended partition. — Option C is correct because in the lsblk output, /dev/sda2 is listed as a partition of type 'Extended' (typically shown as 'Extended' or with a partition type ID of 5 in fdisk). Extended partitions cannot be directly formatted or mounted; they serve as containers for logical partitions (e.g., sda5). The lsblk output would show sda2 with no filesystem or mount point, and sda5 would appear as a child of sda2, confirming sda2 is extended.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 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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