This MLS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of exploratory data analysis. 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.
A machine learning engineer is analyzing a dataset and observes that the distribution of a continuous feature is heavily right-skewed. Which transformation is most likely to make the distribution approximately normal?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Square root transformation
Why wrong: Square root is for moderate skew, not heavy skew.
Exponential transformation
Why wrong: Exponential would increase skew.
Log transformation
Log transformation is standard for right-skewed data.
Box-Cox transformation with lambda = 0
Why wrong: Box-Cox with lambda=0 is equivalent to log, but the direct log is simpler.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Log transformation
Option B is correct because a log transformation compresses the right tail and is effective for right-skewed data. Square root (A) is less effective for heavy skew. Exponential (C) would worsen skew. Box-Cox (D) is a family that includes log, but log is the most common and straightforward.
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.
Square root transformation
Why it's wrong here
Square root is for moderate skew, not heavy skew.
Exponential transformation
Why it's wrong here
Exponential would increase skew.
Log transformation
Why this is correct
Log transformation is standard for right-skewed data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Box-Cox transformation with lambda = 0
Why it's wrong here
Box-Cox with lambda=0 is equivalent to log, but the direct log is simpler.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which MLS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Exploratory Data Analysis — This question tests Exploratory Data Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Log transformation — Option B is correct because a log transformation compresses the right tail and is effective for right-skewed data. Square root (A) is less effective for heavy skew. Exponential (C) would worsen skew. Box-Cox (D) is a family that includes log, but log is the most common and straightforward.
Identify which MLS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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