The correct answer is to create an active relationship from OrderDate to Date and an inactive relationship from ShipDate to Date. This approach is necessary because Power BI only allows one active relationship between two tables; the active OrderDate link handles standard time-based analysis like sales trends, while the inactive ShipDate relationship can be activated on demand using the USERELATIONSHIP function for specialized queries such as shipping delays. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of modeling multiple date columns in a fact table—a common trap is trying to make both relationships active, which causes ambiguity errors. The key insight is that you can have multiple relationships, but only one active; the rest must be inactive and explicitly invoked in DAX. Memory tip: think of it as “one active captain, one inactive first mate”—the active date drives default reports, and the inactive one steps in when you call USERELATIONSHIP.
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 modeling a fact table that contains sales transactions with columns: OrderDate, ShipDate, SalesAmount, CustomerKey. You need to create a relationship to a date table. The date table has a single Date column. Which relationship should you create for the most accurate time-based analysis?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an active relationship from OrderDate to Date and an inactive relationship from ShipDate to Date.
Option C is correct because you should create an active relationship from OrderDate to Date for standard reporting, and an inactive relationship from ShipDate to Date that can be activated using USERELATIONSHIP. Option A would have multiple active relationships causing ambiguity. Option B is not recommended as it omits an important date. Option D is incorrect because you can have multiple relationships, one active and others inactive.
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.
✗
Create a single relationship from OrderDate to Date and ignore ShipDate.
Why it's wrong here
Ship date is important for shipping analysis.
✗
Create two active relationships: OrderDate to Date and ShipDate to Date.
Why it's wrong here
A model can have only one active relationship between two tables.
✓
Create an active relationship from OrderDate to Date and an inactive relationship from ShipDate to Date.
Why this is correct
This allows using USERELATIONSHIP for ship date analysis.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create only one relationship from ShipDate to Date.
Why it's wrong here
OrderDate is more commonly used for time intelligence.
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: Create an active relationship from OrderDate to Date and an inactive relationship from ShipDate to Date. — Option C is correct because you should create an active relationship from OrderDate to Date for standard reporting, and an inactive relationship from ShipDate to Date that can be activated using USERELATIONSHIP. Option A would have multiple active relationships causing ambiguity. Option B is not recommended as it omits an important date. Option D is incorrect because you can have multiple relationships, one active and others inactive.
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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