The answer is to add Table.FirstN(#"Sorted Rows", 10) after the sorting step. This is correct because Table.FirstN is the M function specifically designed to return the first N rows from a table, and when applied after a descending sort on Total Sales, it isolates the top 10 customers by sales. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this tests your understanding of M query steps and the order of operations—sorting must happen before filtering with Table.FirstN, or you will get arbitrary rows instead of the true top performers. A common trap is confusing Table.FirstN with Table.SelectRows or using a filter condition, which would not guarantee the highest sales values. Remember the memory tip: “Sort first, then FirstN—or your top ten won’t be the best ten.”
PL-300 Visualize and analyze the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of visualize and analyze 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.
Power Query M code snippet:
```
let
Source = Sql.Database("server", "database"),
Sales = Source{[Schema="dbo",Item="Sales"]}[Data],
#"Filtered Rows" = Table.SelectRows(Sales, each [OrderDate] >= #date(2023,1,1)),
#"Grouped Rows" = Table.Group(#"Filtered Rows", {"CustomerID"}, {{"Total Sales", each List.Sum([Amount]), type number}}),
#"Sorted Rows" = Table.Sort(#"Grouped Rows",{{"Total Sales", Order.Descending}})
in
#"Sorted Rows"
You have the above M query. You need to load only the top 10 customers by sales. What should you add to the query?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add Table.FirstN(#"Sorted Rows", 10) after sorting.
The query already sorts by Total Sales descending. To get top 10, you need to add a step to keep the first 10 rows, using Table.FirstN.
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.
✗
Add a step to use Table.SelectRows with a condition on rank.
Why it's wrong here
Ranking would require adding an index column; Table.FirstN is more direct.
✗
Add a filter to keep only rows where [Total Sales] is in the top 10 values.
Why it's wrong here
This would require a more complex filter; Table.FirstN is simpler.
✓
Add Table.FirstN(#"Sorted Rows", 10) after sorting.
Why this is correct
Table.FirstN keeps the first N rows after sorting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add a step to use Table.StopAfter(#"Sorted Rows", 10).
Why it's wrong here
Table.StopAfter is not a valid M function.
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.
Visualize and analyze the data — This question tests Visualize and analyze the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add Table.FirstN(#"Sorted Rows", 10) after sorting. — The query already sorts by Total Sales descending. To get top 10, you need to add a step to keep the first 10 rows, using Table.FirstN.
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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