The answer is a SequentialPlanner with a stepwise strategy and explicit function parameter constraints. This configuration minimizes token usage by forcing the planner to evaluate each step sequentially, only invoking the external API when the current context explicitly requires real-time data, thereby avoiding unnecessary calls that waste tokens. On the Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate AI-102 exam, this tests your understanding of how Semantic Kernel planners balance autonomy with resource efficiency—a common trap is assuming AutoInvoke with greedy planning is optimal, but that can over-call APIs, while ParallelPlanner increases token consumption through concurrent invocations. Remember the memory tip: “Stepwise saves tokens; greedy gobbles them.”
AI-102 Implement an agentic solution Practice Question
This AI-102 practice question tests your understanding of implement an agentic solution. 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.
You are building an agentic solution using Microsoft Semantic Kernel. The agent must autonomously decide when to call an external API to fetch real-time data. You want to minimize token usage and avoid unnecessary API calls. Which planner configuration should you use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a SequentialPlanner with a stepwise strategy and explicit function parameter constraints
Option D is correct because a SequentialPlanner combined with a stepwise strategy ensures the agent only invokes the API when the context explicitly requires it, reducing token waste. Option A is incorrect because AutoInvoke with greedy planning may over-call APIs. Option B is incorrect because ManualInvoke requires user intervention, defeating autonomy. Option C is incorrect because ParallelPlanner may invoke multiple APIs concurrently, increasing token usage.
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 a SequentialPlanner with a stepwise strategy and explicit function parameter constraints
Why this is correct
Stepwise strategy ensures API is called only when needed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a ManualInvoke kernel with a sequential planner
Why it's wrong here
Manual invoke prevents autonomous operation.
✗
Use a ParallelPlanner with a function-calling model
Why it's wrong here
Parallel planner increases token usage.
✗
Use an AutoInvoke kernel with a greedy action planner
Why it's wrong here
Greedy planning may invoke APIs unnecessarily.
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 AI-102 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.
Implement an agentic solution — This question tests Implement an agentic solution — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a SequentialPlanner with a stepwise strategy and explicit function parameter constraints — Option D is correct because a SequentialPlanner combined with a stepwise strategy ensures the agent only invokes the API when the context explicitly requires it, reducing token waste. Option A is incorrect because AutoInvoke with greedy planning may over-call APIs. Option B is incorrect because ManualInvoke requires user intervention, defeating autonomy. Option C is incorrect because ParallelPlanner may invoke multiple APIs concurrently, increasing token usage.
What should I do if I get this AI-102 question wrong?
Identify which AI-102 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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