- A
Mount the device to a swap directory
Why wrong: Swap is not mounted; it is activated via swapon.
- B
Create a filesystem using mkfs
Why wrong: Swap devices do not have a filesystem; they have a swap signature.
- C
Use mkswap to set up the swap signature
mkswap initializes the device for use as swap.
- D
Use swapon to activate swap
swapon enables the swap device.
- E
Add an entry in /etc/fstab with the swap option
For persistent activation, add entry in fstab with 'swap' in the fs_type field.
Question 413 of 537
Adding a New Swap Device: mkswap, swapon, and fstab Configuration
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.
Which three of the following actions are required when adding a new swap device to the system? (Choose three.)
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 mkswap to set up the swap signature
Option C is correct because `mkswap` writes a swap signature (UUID and label) to the device, which is required before the kernel can use it as swap space. Without this signature, the device is not recognized as a swap area.
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.
- ✗
Mount the device to a swap directory
Why it's wrong here
Swap is not mounted; it is activated via swapon.
- ✗
Create a filesystem using mkfs
Why it's wrong here
Swap devices do not have a filesystem; they have a swap signature.
- ✓
Use mkswap to set up the swap signature
Why this is correct
mkswap initializes the device for use as swap.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Use swapon to activate swap
Why this is correct
swapon enables the swap device.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Add an entry in /etc/fstab with the swap option
Why this is correct
For persistent activation, add entry in fstab with 'swap' in the fs_type field.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the misconception that swap devices must be mounted or formatted with a filesystem, leading candidates to incorrectly select options A or B.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Swap space uses a simplified on-disk format consisting of a superblock (containing the UUID, label, and page size) followed by swap pages. The `mkswap` command writes this superblock, and the kernel reads it during `swapon` to initialize the swap area. In Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8/9, swap is often managed via LVM or as a swap file, but the same `mkswap` + `swapon` workflow applies.
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
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.
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Create and configure file systems — study guide chapter
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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: Use mkswap to set up the swap signature — Option C is correct because `mkswap` writes a swap signature (UUID and label) to the device, which is required before the kernel can use it as swap space. Without this signature, the device is not recognized as a swap area.
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: Jun 30, 2026
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