- A
Use DynamoDB auto scaling with provisioned capacity.
Auto scaling adjusts capacity based on usage, preventing over-provisioning.
- B
Use DynamoDB Streams to reduce write capacity.
Why wrong: Streams are used for change data capture, not for reducing capacity.
- C
Use DynamoDB global tables for multi-region replication.
Why wrong: Global tables increase cost due to replication.
- D
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to reduce read capacity.
Why wrong: DAX is a caching layer that reduces read latency but does not directly reduce cost of the table; it adds cost.
- E
Use DynamoDB on-demand capacity mode.
On-demand mode charges per request, suitable for unpredictable traffic.
Question 982 of 1,746
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 TWO strategies can be used to reduce the cost of Amazon DynamoDB tables for a new application with unpredictable traffic patterns? (Choose two.)
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 DynamoDB auto scaling with provisioned capacity.
DynamoDB auto scaling with provisioned capacity automatically adjusts the read and write throughput based on actual traffic patterns, preventing over-provisioning and reducing costs during low-traffic periods. For unpredictable traffic, this avoids paying for unused capacity while still handling spikes within the configured limits.
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.
- ✓
Use DynamoDB auto scaling with provisioned capacity.
Why this is correct
Auto scaling adjusts capacity based on usage, preventing over-provisioning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use DynamoDB Streams to reduce write capacity.
Why it's wrong here
Streams are used for change data capture, not for reducing capacity.
- ✗
Use DynamoDB global tables for multi-region replication.
Why it's wrong here
Global tables increase cost due to replication.
- ✗
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to reduce read capacity.
Why it's wrong here
DAX is a caching layer that reduces read latency but does not directly reduce cost of the table; it adds cost.
- ✓
Use DynamoDB on-demand capacity mode.
Why this is correct
On-demand mode charges per request, suitable for unpredictable traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse cost-reduction strategies with performance-enhancing features, such as DAX or global tables, which add cost rather than reduce it, or incorrectly assume DynamoDB Streams can lower write costs when they actually consume additional capacity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB auto scaling uses the AWS Application Auto Scaling service to adjust provisioned throughput based on CloudWatch metrics like ConsumedWriteCapacityUnits, with a target utilization (default 70%). On-demand capacity mode charges per request and is ideal for unpredictable traffic because it scales instantly without capacity planning, but it can be more expensive than provisioned for sustained workloads. The key trade-off is that on-demand eliminates the risk of throttling during spikes but may cost more if traffic is predictable or high-volume.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use DynamoDB auto scaling with provisioned capacity. — DynamoDB auto scaling with provisioned capacity automatically adjusts the read and write throughput based on actual traffic patterns, preventing over-provisioning and reducing costs during low-traffic periods. For unpredictable traffic, this avoids paying for unused capacity while still handling spikes within the configured limits.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 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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