The answer is to use a native SQL query with a WHERE clause to filter at the source, combined with a dynamic date parameter in Power Query. This approach is correct because it pushes the filter logic to the SQL Server database, reducing data load and improving refresh performance, while the parameter ensures the date range updates automatically to always capture the last 7 days. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this tests your understanding of query folding and source-level filtering—a common trap is applying the filter in Power Query after loading all rows, which wastes resources. Remember that filtering early in the data pipeline is always more efficient, and using a dynamic parameter like Date.From(DateTime.LocalNow())-7 in M code makes your solution maintainable. A useful memory tip: “Fold early, filter fast—push the WHERE to the source to make your refresh last.”
PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare 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 importing data from a SQL Server database. The source table has a column 'ModifiedDate' of type datetime2. In Power Query, you want to ensure that only rows modified within the last 7 days are loaded. Which THREE steps should you take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a parameter for the date range and reference it in the filter.
Option B is correct because using a parameter for the date range and referencing it in the filter allows for dynamic, maintainable filtering in Power Query. This approach leverages Power Query's M language to apply a filter step that can be easily updated without modifying the query logic, ensuring only rows from the last 7 days are loaded during data refresh.
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.
✗
Load all rows and then use a DAX filter in the data model.
Why it's wrong here
This loads all data, which is inefficient.
✓
Use a parameter for the date range and reference it in the filter.
Why this is correct
Parameters allow dynamic filtering.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Split the column into date and time and then filter on the date part.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary; you can filter directly on datetime.
✓
In Power Query, add a filter step using a custom column or the filter row feature.
Why this is correct
You can filter after loading, but it's less efficient than source filtering.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use a native SQL query with a WHERE clause to filter at the source.
Why this is correct
This reduces data transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think splitting a datetime column is necessary for date-based filtering, but Power Query's native filter on datetime2 works correctly and is more efficient, while loading all rows and using DAX is a common anti-pattern that wastes resources.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When filtering on a datetime2 column in Power Query, query folding to SQL Server is critical for performance. Using a parameter with DateTimeZone.UtcNow or DateTime.LocalNow ensures the filter is pushed down to the SQL Server via a WHERE clause, leveraging server-side indexing. In a real-world scenario, if the source table has millions of rows, failing to fold the filter results in pulling all data into Power Query, causing memory exhaustion and slow refresh times.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a parameter for the date range and reference it in the filter. — Option B is correct because using a parameter for the date range and referencing it in the filter allows for dynamic, maintainable filtering in Power Query. This approach leverages Power Query's M language to apply a filter step that can be easily updated without modifying the query logic, ensuring only rows from the last 7 days are loaded during data refresh.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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