PCA Promql Practice Question
Which function should be used to smooth out short-term fluctuations in a gauge metric by calculating the rolling average over a 10-minute window?
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
✓
avg_over_time(node_load1[10m])
The avg_over_time() function calculates the average value of all data points in the specified range vector for each time series.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
rate(node_load1[10m])
Why it's wrong here
rate is strictly for cumulative counters.
- ✓
avg_over_time(node_load1[10m])
Why this is correct
Correct. avg_over_time computes the average over a range window for gauges.
- ✗
smooth(node_load1, 10m)
Why it's wrong here
smooth is not a valid PromQL function.
- ✗
avg(node_load1[10m])
Why it's wrong here
avg cannot take range vectors directly without the over_time suffix.
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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.