Quick Answer
The answer is to create a histogram of transaction amounts, as this is the most appropriate EDA step for detecting a skewed distribution. A histogram visually displays the frequency distribution of a continuous variable like transaction_amount, allowing you to immediately see if the data is pulled to the left (negative skew) or right (positive skew), whereas count plots handle categorical data, scatter plots show relationships between two variables, and heatmaps reveal correlations. On the AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty MLS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of univariate analysis for feature distribution, a core step before applying transformations like log scaling to handle skew. A common trap is confusing a histogram with a count plot—remember that histograms bin numeric ranges, while count plots tally categories. Memory tip: “Histogram for histogram of numbers, count plot for categories” helps you quickly rule out wrong options and focus on the visual tool that directly reveals skewness.
This MLS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of exploratory data analysis. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 data scientist is exploring a dataset containing customer transactions. The dataset has a column 'transaction_amount' with values ranging from $0.01 to $10,000. Which EDA step is most appropriate to detect skewed distribution?
Create a count plot of transaction amounts
Why wrong: Why A is wrong
Create a correlation heatmap of all numeric columns
Why wrong: Why D is wrong
Create a histogram of transaction amounts
Why C is correct
Create a scatter plot of transaction amount vs. customer age
Why wrong: Why B is wrong
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a histogram of transaction amounts
Option C is correct because a histogram or density plot reveals skewness visually. Option A is wrong because count plot is for categorical data. Option B is wrong because scatter plot shows relationship between two variables. Option D is wrong because heatmap shows correlation, not skewness.
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.
Create a count plot of transaction amounts
Why it's wrong here
Why A is wrong
Create a correlation heatmap of all numeric columns
Why it's wrong here
Why D is wrong
Create a histogram of transaction amounts
Why this is correct
Why C is correct
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Create a scatter plot of transaction amount vs. customer age
Why it's wrong here
Why B is wrong
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: Create a histogram of transaction amounts — Option C is correct because a histogram or density plot reveals skewness visually. Option A is wrong because count plot is for categorical data. Option B is wrong because scatter plot shows relationship between two variables. Option D is wrong because heatmap shows correlation, not skewness.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This MLS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services 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 MLS-C01 exam.
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