- A
SGD: Uses a constant learning rate for all parameters
SGD applies the same learning rate to all parameters and does not adapt during training.
- B
Adam: Combines momentum and RMSProp with bias correction
Adam maintains per-parameter learning rates based on first and second moments, with bias correction for initialization.
- C
RMSProp: Uses exponential moving average of squared gradients
RMSProp adjusts learning rates by dividing by the root mean square of recent gradients.
- D
Adam: Uses only momentum
Why wrong: Incorrect — Adam uses both momentum and adaptive learning rates (like RMSProp), not just momentum.
- E
SGD: Uses adaptive learning rate
Why wrong: Incorrect — SGD uses a fixed learning rate; adaptive learning rates are used by optimizers like Adam and RMSProp.
Optimization Algorithms for ML Training
This PMLE practice question tests your understanding of match each optimization algorithm to its…. 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.
Match each optimization algorithm to its characteristic.
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
SGD: Uses a constant learning rate for all parameters
The correct matches are: A (SGD uses a constant learning rate for all parameters), B (Adam combines momentum and RMSProp with bias correction), and C (RMSProp uses exponential moving average of squared gradients). Option D is incorrect because Adam does not use only momentum; it also includes adaptive learning rates. Option E is incorrect because SGD uses a fixed learning rate, not adaptive.
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.
- ✓
SGD: Uses a constant learning rate for all parameters
Why this is correct
SGD applies the same learning rate to all parameters and does not adapt during training.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Adam: Combines momentum and RMSProp with bias correction
Why this is correct
Adam maintains per-parameter learning rates based on first and second moments, with bias correction for initialization.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
RMSProp: Uses exponential moving average of squared gradients
Why this is correct
RMSProp adjusts learning rates by dividing by the root mean square of recent gradients.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Adam: Uses only momentum
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — Adam uses both momentum and adaptive learning rates (like RMSProp), not just momentum.
- ✗
SGD: Uses adaptive learning rate
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — SGD uses a fixed learning rate; adaptive learning rates are used by optimizers like Adam and RMSProp.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PMLE 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
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMLE question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SGD: Uses a constant learning rate for all parameters — The correct matches are: A (SGD uses a constant learning rate for all parameters), B (Adam combines momentum and RMSProp with bias correction), and C (RMSProp uses exponential moving average of squared gradients). Option D is incorrect because Adam does not use only momentum; it also includes adaptive learning rates. Option E is incorrect because SGD uses a fixed learning rate, not adaptive.
What should I do if I get this PMLE question wrong?
Identify which PMLE 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PMLE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PMLE exam.
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