The answer is to create a calculated column in DAX using DATEVALUE(OrderDate). This is the most efficient approach because DATEVALUE strips the time component from a datetime value, converting it to a date-only format while leaving the original column intact for other calculations, and it leverages DAX’s optimized date handling for filtering operations. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this tests your understanding of when to use DAX versus Power Query for data transformation; a common trap is to immediately reach for Power Query to split or extract the date, which adds unnecessary transformation steps and can slow refresh. Instead, using DATEVALUE in a calculated column is both lightweight and preserves the source schema. Memory tip: think of DATEVALUE as “date-only value”—it’s the quickest way to remove time from datetime column Power BI without altering your original data.
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 importing data from a SQL Server database into Power BI. The source table has a column 'OrderDate' of type DATETIME. You want to filter data based on the date only, ignoring time. What is the most efficient approach?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a calculated column in DAX using DATEVALUE(OrderDate).
Option B is correct because DATEVALUE(OrderDate) in DAX converts a datetime value to a date-only value, which is the most efficient approach when you need to filter by date while keeping the original datetime column intact for other calculations. This avoids unnecessary data transformation in Power Query and leverages DAX's optimized date handling for filtering operations.
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.
✗
Change the data type of the OrderDate column to 'Date' in Power Query.
Why it's wrong here
This discards time information, which may be needed later.
✓
Create a calculated column in DAX using DATEVALUE(OrderDate).
Why this is correct
This extracts the date part efficiently without altering the source column.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a new column in Power Query using Date.From(OrderDate).
Why it's wrong here
This works but is less efficient than a calculated column.
✗
Use the 'Split Column' feature in Power Query to separate date and time.
Why it's wrong here
This creates unnecessary columns and complexity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume Power Query transformations are always more efficient than DAX calculated columns, but for simple date extraction, a DAX calculated column avoids data reloads and leverages the existing column's storage, making it the most efficient choice for filtering by date only.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DATEVALUE in DAX internally uses the underlying date serial number from the datetime value, which is stored as a decimal number in Power BI's VertiPaq engine (integer part = date, fractional part = time). When you create a calculated column with DATEVALUE, it stores only the integer part, enabling efficient filtering and grouping by date without impacting the original column's storage or performance. In real-world scenarios, this approach is ideal when you need to maintain the original datetime for time-based calculations (e.g., time series analysis) while also supporting date-only filters.
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.
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: Create a calculated column in DAX using DATEVALUE(OrderDate). — Option B is correct because DATEVALUE(OrderDate) in DAX converts a datetime value to a date-only value, which is the most efficient approach when you need to filter by date while keeping the original datetime column intact for other calculations. This avoids unnecessary data transformation in Power Query and leverages DAX's optimized date handling for filtering operations.
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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