PCA Promql Practice Question
Which function is best suited for identifying the 'top 5' instances with the highest value for a specific metric?
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
✓
topk(5, metric)
topk() is the designated function for returning the N largest samples from an input vector.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
sort_desc()
Why it's wrong here
This sorts the results but does not limit them.
- ✗
max_over_time()
Why it's wrong here
This finds the max over a time range for each series.
- ✓
topk(5, metric)
Why this is correct
topk returns the top N elements.
- ✗
limit_rate(5, metric)
Why it's wrong here
This function does not exist.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official CNCF / Linux Foundation exam blueprint
This PCA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF / Linux Foundation 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 PCA exam.