Quick Answer
The answer is to analyze the missing index recommendations from Query Store. This is the best first action because scanning large tables in Azure SQL Database is almost always a symptom of missing or poorly chosen indexes; Query Store captures the execution plans and automatically surfaces missing index suggestions, allowing you to target the most impactful structural fix without upfront cost. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of performance triage—the trap is jumping to expensive solutions like scaling up the General Purpose tier or adding columnstore indexes before diagnosing the root cause, which wastes resources and time. Remember the memory tip: “Scans scream for indexes, not scales”—always check for missing indexes before changing tiers or storage structures.
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 optimizing an Azure SQL Database that runs a heavy reporting workload. The database uses the General Purpose tier. You notice that many queries are scanning large tables. What is the best first action to improve performance?
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.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Partition the large tables by date.
Why wrong: Partitioning helps manageability, not scan performance.
Analyze the missing index recommendations from Query Store.
Identifies specific indexes to reduce scans.
Scale up to Business Critical tier.
Why wrong: Expensive and may not fix scan issue.
Implement columnstore indexes on all large tables.
Why wrong: May not be appropriate for all workloads and could cause overhead.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Analyze the missing index recommendations from Query Store.
Option A is correct because missing indexes are a common cause of scans. Option B is wrong because columnstore indexes are for data warehousing, but you should first analyze workload. Option C is wrong because scaling up is costly and may not be needed. Option D is wrong because partitioning doesn't reduce scans without proper indexing.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Partition the large tables by date.
Why it's wrong here
Partitioning helps manageability, not scan performance.
Analyze the missing index recommendations from Query Store.
Why this is correct
Identifies specific indexes to reduce scans.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Scale up to Business Critical tier.
Why it's wrong here
Expensive and may not fix scan issue.
Implement columnstore indexes on all large tables.
Why it's wrong here
May not be appropriate for all workloads and could cause overhead.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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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FAQ
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Analyze the missing index recommendations from Query Store. — Option A is correct because missing indexes are a common cause of scans. Option B is wrong because columnstore indexes are for data warehousing, but you should first analyze workload. Option C is wrong because scaling up is costly and may not be needed. Option D is wrong because partitioning doesn't reduce scans without proper indexing.
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.
Yes — watch for: "best", "first". 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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