- A
Create a new partition on /dev/sdc and format with xfs
Why wrong: Using a separate disk is possible, but the exhibit shows /dev/sdc has no filesystem on sdc1; however, sdc1 exists but no FSTYPE. Could be used, but the question asks about creating a filesystem; LVM might be more flexible. But the answer is not wrong per se. However, the exhibit shows VG vg00 has no free space, so you cannot extend vg00. You would need to use /dev/sdc or another disk.
- B
Shrink /home to free space in vg00 and create a new LV
Why wrong: Shrinking filesystems is risky and not straightforward; also vg00 has no free space, but you could shrink lv_home if it has unused space, but that requires shrinking the filesystem first. This is possible but more complex and not the best practice.
- C
Add /dev/sdc as a physical volume, extend vg00, create a logical volume, and format
Since vg00 has no free space, you must add a new PV (e.g., /dev/sdc) to vg00, extend the VG, create an LV, then format with a filesystem.
- D
Create a new volume group using /dev/sdb
Why wrong: /dev/sdb is already mounted as /mnt/backup and contains an ext4 filesystem; you cannot add it to a VG without reformatting.
Creating a Logical Volume for /var/log Using LVM — Full Workflow
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. 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. An administrator needs to create a new 5GB filesystem for /var/log. Which step is required?
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
Add /dev/sdc as a physical volume, extend vg00, create a logical volume, and format
Option C is correct because to create a new filesystem for /var/log using available space on /dev/sdc, the disk must first be added as a physical volume (pvcreate), then added to the existing volume group vg00 (vgextend). After extending the VG, a new logical volume can be created (lvcreate) and formatted with a filesystem (e.g., mkfs.xfs). This approach leverages LVM's flexibility to allocate space from multiple physical volumes without requiring a separate volume group or partition manipulation.
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.
- ✗
Create a new partition on /dev/sdc and format with xfs
Why it's wrong here
Using a separate disk is possible, but the exhibit shows /dev/sdc has no filesystem on sdc1; however, sdc1 exists but no FSTYPE. Could be used, but the question asks about creating a filesystem; LVM might be more flexible. But the answer is not wrong per se. However, the exhibit shows VG vg00 has no free space, so you cannot extend vg00. You would need to use /dev/sdc or another disk.
- ✗
Shrink /home to free space in vg00 and create a new LV
Why it's wrong here
Shrinking filesystems is risky and not straightforward; also vg00 has no free space, but you could shrink lv_home if it has unused space, but that requires shrinking the filesystem first. This is possible but more complex and not the best practice.
- ✓
Add /dev/sdc as a physical volume, extend vg00, create a logical volume, and format
Why this is correct
Since vg00 has no free space, you must add a new PV (e.g., /dev/sdc) to vg00, extend the VG, create an LV, then format with a filesystem.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a new volume group using /dev/sdb
Why it's wrong here
/dev/sdb is already mounted as /mnt/backup and contains an ext4 filesystem; you cannot add it to a VG without reformatting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
For RHCSA, the key trap is that candidates often forget to add the new disk as a physical volume (pvcreate) before extending the volume group. They may try to directly create a logical volume on the raw disk or add it to the VG without the pvcreate step.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Using a separate disk is possible, but the exhibit shows /dev/sdc has no filesystem on sdc1; however, sdc1 exists but no FSTYPE. Could be used, but the question asks about creating a filesystem; LVM might be more flexible. But the answer is not wrong per se. However, the exhibit shows VG vg00 has no free space, so you cannot extend vg00. You would need to use /dev/sdc or another disk.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In LVM, a physical volume (PV) is a block device (e.g., /dev/sdc) initialized with pvcreate, which writes LVM metadata to the device. Extending a volume group with vgextend adds the PV's space to the VG's pool, allowing new logical volumes to be created with lvcreate. The filesystem (e.g., xfs) is then created on the LV with mkfs.xfs. This process avoids repartitioning and allows dynamic storage allocation, which is critical in environments where disk space must be added without downtime.
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 EX200 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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add /dev/sdc as a physical volume, extend vg00, create a logical volume, and format — Option C is correct because to create a new filesystem for /var/log using available space on /dev/sdc, the disk must first be added as a physical volume (pvcreate), then added to the existing volume group vg00 (vgextend). After extending the VG, a new logical volume can be created (lvcreate) and formatted with a filesystem (e.g., mkfs.xfs). This approach leverages LVM's flexibility to allocate space from multiple physical volumes without requiring a separate volume group or partition manipulation.
What should I do if I get this EX200 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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