The answer is ship dates. This is correct because USERELATIONSHIP temporarily activates an inactive relationship in the data model, overriding the default active relationship for the duration of the DAX expression. When you specify Sales[DateKey] and 'Date'[DateKey] within USERELATIONSHIP, it matches the inactive ShipDateKey relationship, so filtering will apply based on ship dates rather than order dates. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to use the USERELATIONSHIP function to control which relationship is active when multiple paths exist between tables—a common trap is assuming the active relationship remains in effect, but USERELATIONSHIP explicitly overrides it. Remember the mnemonic: "USERELATIONSHIP picks the path you specify, not the default."
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
DAX expression:
```
CALCULATE(
SUM(Sales[Amount]),
USERELATIONSHIP(Sales[DateKey], 'Date'[DateKey])
)
```
You have a data model with two relationships between Sales and Date: one active (OrderDateKey) and one inactive (ShipDateKey). The DAX expression uses USERELATIONSHIP(Sales[DateKey], 'Date'[DateKey]). Which date will be used for filtering?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Ship dates
Option B is correct because USERELATIONSHIP activates the specified relationship. The relationship is defined by the columns Sales[DateKey] and Date[DateKey]; if this matches the ShipDateKey relationship, it uses ship dates. Option A is incorrect because USERELATIONSHIP overrides the active relationship. Option C is incorrect because it activates the specified relationship. Option D is incorrect because the expression does not ignore filters.
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.
✓
Ship dates
Why this is correct
The inactive relationship is activated by USERELATIONSHIP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Both order and ship dates
Why it's wrong here
Only the specified relationship is used.
✗
Order dates
Why it's wrong here
USERELATIONSHIP overrides the active relationship with the one specified.
✗
No relationship, all dates
Why it's wrong here
Relationship is activated, so filtering applies.
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.
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Ship dates — Option B is correct because USERELATIONSHIP activates the specified relationship. The relationship is defined by the columns Sales[DateKey] and Date[DateKey]; if this matches the ShipDateKey relationship, it uses ship dates. Option A is incorrect because USERELATIONSHIP overrides the active relationship. Option C is incorrect because it activates the specified relationship. Option D is incorrect because the expression does not ignore filters.
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.
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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