The correct answer is to identify the top 10 queries by average duration. This KQL query works by grouping query executions by their query ID, calculating the average duration for each group using the `avg()` aggregation function, and then sorting the results in descending order while limiting the output to ten rows. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this pattern tests your ability to interpret Kusto Query Language for performance monitoring in Azure SQL Database, specifically distinguishing between metrics like duration, CPU time, and wait statistics. A common trap is confusing average duration with total CPU consumption or resource waits, but the query explicitly averages the duration column without filtering by time range or including wait types. Remember the mnemonic "DAD" for Duration, Average, Descending—if you see `summarize avg(duration)` followed by `order by` descending and `take 10`, you are always looking at the top slowest queries by average runtime.
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```kql
AzureDiagnostics
| where ResourceProvider == "MICROSOFT.SQL"
| where Category == "QueryStoreRuntimeStatistics"
| summarize avg(avg_duration) by query_id
| top 10 by avg_duration desc
```
You run the KQL query shown in the exhibit. The query returns a list of query IDs. What is the purpose of this query?
Refer to the exhibit.
```kql
AzureDiagnostics
| where ResourceProvider == "MICROSOFT.SQL"
| where Category == "QueryStoreRuntimeStatistics"
| summarize avg(avg_duration) by query_id
| top 10 by avg_duration desc
```
A
Identify queries consuming the most CPU.
Why wrong: No CPU metric in the query.
B
Identify the top 10 queries by average duration.
Averages avg_duration per query and returns top 10.
C
Identify queries with the highest total wait time.
Why wrong: Measures duration, not wait time.
D
Identify queries with the highest execution count.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Identify the top 10 queries by average duration.
Option C is correct because the query calculates average duration per query and returns the top 10 by average duration, which identifies the slowest queries. Option A is wrong because it does not filter by time range. Option B is wrong because it does not look at resource waits. Option D is wrong because it does not include CPU time.
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.
Averages avg_duration per query and returns top 10.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Identify queries with the highest total wait time.
Why it's wrong here
Measures duration, not wait time.
✗
Identify queries with the highest execution count.
Why it's wrong here
No aggregation on count.
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: Identify the top 10 queries by average duration. — Option C is correct because the query calculates average duration per query and returns the top 10 by average duration, which identifies the slowest queries. Option A is wrong because it does not filter by time range. Option B is wrong because it does not look at resource waits. Option D is wrong because it does not include CPU time.
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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