The answer is Query 2 because it has the highest average CPU per execution at 4500 ms. When using sys.dm_exec_query_stats to identify the best query to optimize for CPU reduction, you must focus on average worker time per execution rather than total CPU, as a high average indicates each run is disproportionately expensive, making it the prime candidate for tuning. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret dynamic management views correctly; a common trap is to fixate on total CPU usage, which can be inflated by high-frequency but low-cost queries, while the real performance bottleneck lies in queries with high per-execution cost. Remember the mnemonic “APEX” — Average Per EXecution — to always prioritize the query with the highest average CPU when optimizing for overall reduction.
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. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. You are analyzing query performance using sys.dm_exec_query_stats. Based on the output, which query is the best candidate for optimization to reduce overall CPU usage?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Query 2 because it has the highest average CPU per execution.
Option B is correct because Query 2 has the highest average worker time per execution (4500 ms), indicating it is the most expensive per run, and optimizing it could yield significant CPU savings if it runs frequently. Option A is wrong because Query 1 has high total but lower per execution (500 ms). Option C is wrong because Query 3 has low per execution (150 ms). Option D is wrong because Query 2 is the best candidate.
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 2 because it has the highest average CPU per execution.
Why this is correct
High average CPU suggests inefficiency; optimizing it can reduce overall CPU significantly.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Query 1 because it has the highest total_cpu_time.
Why it's wrong here
Total CPU is high but per execution is moderate; optimization may not yield the best ROI.
✗
All queries should be optimized equally.
Why it's wrong here
Prioritization based on impact is more effective.
✗
Query 3 because it runs most frequently.
Why it's wrong here
Frequent but low per-execution CPU; total CPU is not the highest.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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: Query 2 because it has the highest average CPU per execution. — Option B is correct because Query 2 has the highest average worker time per execution (4500 ms), indicating it is the most expensive per run, and optimizing it could yield significant CPU savings if it runs frequently. Option A is wrong because Query 1 has high total but lower per execution (500 ms). Option C is wrong because Query 3 has low per execution (150 ms). Option D is wrong because Query 2 is the best candidate.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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