- A
Query sys.indexes to check the fragmentation percentage.
Why wrong: sys.indexes does not contain fragmentation data.
- B
Use the sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats dynamic management function.
This DMF returns fragmentation details efficiently.
- C
Use SET SHOWPLAN_XML ON and run sample queries.
Why wrong: Shows query plans, not index fragmentation.
- D
Use the sys.dm_db_missing_index_details DMV.
Why wrong: Shows missing indexes, not fragmentation.
Question 434 of 963
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Your Azure SQL Database has a recurring job that rebuilds indexes weekly. After a recent change, the job is taking much longer to complete. You suspect that the index fragmentation is higher than usual. What is the most efficient way to check index fragmentation across the database?
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 the sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats dynamic management function.
The correct answer is B: sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats. This DMV provides fragmentation details (e.g., avg_fragmentation_percent) for all indexes in a database with minimal overhead when using limited scanning. Option A (sys.indexes) does not include fragmentation statistics. Option C (SET SHOWPLAN_XML ON) shows query execution plans, not index fragmentation. Option D (sys.dm_db_missing_index_details) suggests new indexes to improve performance, but does not report existing index fragmentation.
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.
- ✗
Query sys.indexes to check the fragmentation percentage.
Why it's wrong here
sys.indexes does not contain fragmentation data.
- ✓
Use the sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats dynamic management function.
Why this is correct
This DMF returns fragmentation details efficiently.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use SET SHOWPLAN_XML ON and run sample queries.
Why it's wrong here
Shows query plans, not index fragmentation.
- ✗
Use the sys.dm_db_missing_index_details DMV.
Why it's wrong here
Shows missing indexes, not fragmentation.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows query plans, not index fragmentation.
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 DP-300 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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Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats dynamic management function. — The correct answer is B: sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats. This DMV provides fragmentation details (e.g., avg_fragmentation_percent) for all indexes in a database with minimal overhead when using limited scanning. Option A (sys.indexes) does not include fragmentation statistics. Option C (SET SHOWPLAN_XML ON) shows query execution plans, not index fragmentation. Option D (sys.dm_db_missing_index_details) suggests new indexes to improve performance, but does not report existing index fragmentation.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 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.
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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 21, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-300 exam.
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