The answer is that the 'Date' table is not marked as a date table. This is the most likely cause of incorrect values because SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR is a time intelligence function that requires a contiguous, properly designated date table to shift the filter context accurately; without marking the table, Power BI cannot guarantee the continuous date range needed, leading to erratic shifts in month-over-month comparisons. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that time intelligence functions like SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, TOTALYTD, or DATESBETWEEN will fail silently if the date table lacks a continuous date column marked with the “Mark as Date Table” setting—a common trap where candidates blame the CALCULATE syntax or the DATE function instead. To avoid this, remember the memory tip: “Mark your dates before you calculate your fates.”
PL-300 Visualize and analyze the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of visualize and analyze the data. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
```dax
Sales LY =
VAR CurrentDate = MAX('Date'[Date])
VAR SamePeriodLastYear = DATE(YEAR(CurrentDate)-1, MONTH(CurrentDate), DAY(CurrentDate))
RETURN
CALCULATE(
SUM(Sales[Amount]),
SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR('Date'[Date])
)
```
Refer to the exhibit. A user created this measure to calculate sales for the same period last year. However, the measure returns incorrect values when used in a matrix with month granularity. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The 'Date' table is not marked as a date table
SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR relies on a contiguous date table; if the date table is not marked or has gaps, it may shift incorrectly. The DATE function is not the issue, and CALCULATE is used correctly. The time intelligence functions require a proper date table.
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.
✗
The DATE function is incorrectly specified
Why it's wrong here
The DATE function is correct syntactically.
✓
The 'Date' table is not marked as a date table
Why this is correct
Time intelligence functions require a marked date table with continuous dates.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The VAR CurrentDate is not needed
Why it's wrong here
The VAR is unused but not causing incorrect results.
✗
CALCULATE should not be used with SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR
Why it's wrong here
CALCULATE is required to modify filter context.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PL-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.
Visualize and analyze the data — This question tests Visualize and analyze the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'Date' table is not marked as a date table — SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR relies on a contiguous date table; if the date table is not marked or has gaps, it may shift incorrectly. The DATE function is not the issue, and CALCULATE is used correctly. The time intelligence functions require a proper date table.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which PL-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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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