The answer is an inactive relationship between the Sales and Region tables. This is the likely cause because an inactive relationship in Power BI does not automatically propagate filters between tables; it exists in the model but is only used when explicitly activated with a DAX function like USERELATIONSHIP. Without that activation, a filter applied to the Region table will correctly calculate sales for the selected region, but the grand total ignores the filter context and returns all sales, as if no relationship exists. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of relationship states and filter propagation, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume any defined relationship will filter automatically. A common memory tip is to think of an inactive relationship as a “dormant bridge”—it’s there but not crossed unless you call it into action with USERELATIONSHIP.
PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model 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.
You have a Power BI report that shows sales by region. The data model contains a 'Sales' fact table and a 'Region' dimension table. When you filter by a specific region, the total sales for that region is correct, but the grand total shows all sales. What is the likely cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The relationship between Sales and Region is inactive
Option A is correct because if the relationship is inactive, filters won't propagate. Option B is wrong because measure calculation is not the issue. Option C is wrong because bidirectional would actually propagate. Option D is wrong because cross-filter direction is relevant.
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 relationship is set to single cross-filter direction
Why it's wrong here
Single direction is default and should work from Region to Sales.
✗
The measure is using SUM instead of SUMX
Why it's wrong here
Both would give same total; the issue is filter propagation.
✗
The Region table is not marked as a dimension table
Why it's wrong here
Power BI does not require marking dimension tables.
✓
The relationship between Sales and Region is inactive
Why this is correct
An inactive relationship does not propagate filters, so grand total ignores region filter.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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: The relationship between Sales and Region is inactive — Option A is correct because if the relationship is inactive, filters won't propagate. Option B is wrong because measure calculation is not the issue. Option C is wrong because bidirectional would actually propagate. Option D is wrong because cross-filter direction is relevant.
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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