PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are valid DAX functions for creating a calculated table?
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
✓
FILTER
FILTER (C) is correct because it is a DAX table function that returns a table filtered by a Boolean condition, making it valid for use in a calculated table definition such as CALCULATETABLE or a New Table expression. CALENDAR (D) is correct because it is a DAX table function that returns a single-column table of contiguous dates, which is a classic use case for building a date table via a calculated table. SUM (A) is a scalar aggregation function that returns a single numeric value, not a table, so it cannot define a calculated table. COUNT (B) is likewise a scalar aggregation function returning a count value, not a table. SELECTEDVALUE (E) is a scalar function that returns a single value when a column is filtered to one distinct value, so it also cannot produce a calculated table.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SUM
Why it's wrong here
SUM is an aggregation function that evaluates an expression over a column and returns a single scalar numeric value, not a table. Because it collapses rows to one total, it cannot be used as a table expression in DAX where a row context or tabular result is required. This is why SUM is invalid here.
- ✗
COUNT
Why it's wrong here
COUNT counts non-blank values in a column and returns a scalar integer. It does not produce a tabular result; it aggregates values from the column into one number. Therefore COUNT cannot serve as a table-returning function when you need to create or manipulate tables in DAX.
- ✓
FILTER
Why this is correct
FILTER is a table function that takes a table and a logical condition, and returns a subset of rows for which the condition evaluates to TRUE. It returns a table object, preserving the original columns and establishing row context for each row, so it can be used as a table expression or as a filter argument in CALCULATE. This makes FILTER a valid DAX function for creating table results.
- ✓
CALENDAR
Why this is correct
CALENDAR returns a single-column table of contiguous dates beginning at a specified start date and ending at a specified end date. It is commonly used to create date tables or to supply a date range in table expressions, because its output is a table object, not a single value. Therefore CALENDAR is a valid table-returning DAX function.
- ✗
SELECTEDVALUE
Why it's wrong here
SELECTEDVALUE finds the sole distinct value in a column under the current filter context and returns that value, or an alternate result if none or multiple values exist. Its return is a scalar, not a table, and it is designed for measures and calculated columns rather than table creation. Consequently, SELECTEDVALUE cannot be used when a table return is required.
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