- A
AVG Delivery Time = SUMX(FILTER(Shipments, RELATED(Cities[Population]) > 1000000), Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]) / COUNTROWS(FILTER(Shipments, RELATED(Cities[Population]) > 1000000))
Why wrong: This is more complex and less efficient.
- B
AVG Delivery Time = CALCULATE(AVERAGE(Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]), FILTER(Cities, Cities[Population] > 1000000))
CALCULATE with FILTER applies the filter on Cities table and computes the average of the difference.
- C
AVG Delivery Time = CALCULATE(AVERAGE(Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]), DISTINCT(Cities[Population] > 1000000))
Why wrong: DISTINCT is not a filter function.
- D
AVG Delivery Time = AVERAGEX(Shipments, Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate])
Why wrong: This does not filter by population.
Quick Answer
The answer is CALCULATE with a FILTER on the related Cities table. This expression is correct because it uses CALCULATE to modify the filter context, applying a filter directly to the Cities table where Population exceeds 1 million, which then propagates to the Shipments table via the existing relationship—this is the most efficient way to perform a DAX measure filter on a related table. On the PL-300 exam, this tests your understanding of context transition and filter propagation; a common trap is using SUMX or an iterator over the entire table, which forces row-by-row evaluation and slows performance, while the correct approach leverages CALCULATE’s built-in efficiency. Remember the memory tip: “CALCULATE filters the related, iterators slow the unrelated.”
PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model the data. 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.
You are a data analyst for a logistics company. You have a Power BI semantic model that contains a table named Shipments with columns: ShipmentID, OriginCity, DestinationCity, ShipDate, DeliveryDate, Weight, and Cost. The model also contains a table named Cities with columns: City, State, Region, and Population. You need to create a measure that calculates the average delivery time in days for shipments that originated from cities with a population greater than 1 million. The measure should be efficient. Which DAX expression should you use?
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
AVG Delivery Time = CALCULATE(AVERAGE(Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]), FILTER(Cities, Cities[Population] > 1000000))
Option A uses CALCULATE with a FILTER on the related table, which is correct and efficient. Option B uses SUMX over the entire table, which can be slow. Option C uses an iterator incorrectly. Option D uses DISTINCT unnecessarily.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
AVG Delivery Time = SUMX(FILTER(Shipments, RELATED(Cities[Population]) > 1000000), Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]) / COUNTROWS(FILTER(Shipments, RELATED(Cities[Population]) > 1000000))
Why it's wrong here
This is more complex and less efficient.
- ✓
AVG Delivery Time = CALCULATE(AVERAGE(Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]), FILTER(Cities, Cities[Population] > 1000000))
Why this is correct
CALCULATE with FILTER applies the filter on Cities table and computes the average of the difference.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
AVG Delivery Time = CALCULATE(AVERAGE(Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]), DISTINCT(Cities[Population] > 1000000))
Why it's wrong here
DISTINCT is not a filter function.
- ✗
AVG Delivery Time = AVERAGEX(Shipments, Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate])
Why it's wrong here
This does not filter by population.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PL-300 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PL-300 question test?
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AVG Delivery Time = CALCULATE(AVERAGE(Shipments[DeliveryDate] - Shipments[ShipDate]), FILTER(Cities, Cities[Population] > 1000000)) — Option A uses CALCULATE with a FILTER on the related table, which is correct and efficient. Option B uses SUMX over the entire table, which can be slow. Option C uses an iterator incorrectly. Option D uses DISTINCT unnecessarily.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PL-300 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This PL-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 PL-300 exam.
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