The answer is updating statistics on the tables involved and creating appropriate indexes. Updating statistics gives the query optimizer fresh data distribution information, allowing it to generate more accurate cardinality estimates and select efficient execution plans, which directly reduces logical reads by avoiding unnecessary data scans. Creating indexes, particularly nonclustered ones that support seeks over scans, further minimizes the number of pages read from the buffer pool. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of performance tuning fundamentals—specifically that logical reads are a measure of page accesses, not memory or procedural changes. A common trap is assuming that rewriting a query as a stored procedure or increasing memory will lower logical reads, but these actions do not change how many pages the query engine must touch. Remember the mnemonic: “Stats and Seeks Slash Reads”—keeping statistics current and indexes seek-friendly is your direct path to fewer logical reads.
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.
You are tuning a query in Azure SQL Database. Which TWO actions can reduce logical reads?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a nonclustered index on the columns used in WHERE clause
Creating appropriate indexes can reduce logical reads by enabling seeks instead of scans. Updating statistics helps the optimizer choose efficient plans. Option A and C are correct. Option B is wrong because increasing memory does not reduce logical reads directly. Option D is wrong because rewriting as a stored procedure does not reduce logical reads.
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.
✗
Add query hints to force index usage
Why it's wrong here
Hints may not always reduce reads and can be counterproductive.
✓
Create a nonclustered index on the columns used in WHERE clause
Why this is correct
Index can reduce the number of rows read.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Rewrite the query as a stored procedure
Why it's wrong here
Stored procedures do not inherently reduce logical reads.
✗
Increase the database max memory setting
Why it's wrong here
Memory increase does not directly reduce logical reads.
✓
Update statistics on the tables involved
Why this is correct
Helps optimizer choose better plans that may reduce reads.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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.
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: Create a nonclustered index on the columns used in WHERE clause — Creating appropriate indexes can reduce logical reads by enabling seeks instead of scans. Updating statistics helps the optimizer choose efficient plans. Option A and C are correct. Option B is wrong because increasing memory does not reduce logical reads directly. Option D is wrong because rewriting as a stored procedure does not reduce logical reads.
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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Question Discussion
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