The answer is that the Choices function was used on a lookup column, which returns a table of IDs by default instead of display names. This happens because a SharePoint lookup column stores a reference to the ID of the related item, not the text you see in the list view; the Choices function, when applied directly to that column, pulls those underlying ID values. On the Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals PL-900 exam, this tests your understanding of how lookup columns differ from choice columns—a common trap is confusing them with single-select or multi-select choice columns, where Choices works fine without modification. To fix it, the correct syntax is Choices([List].[Column].DisplayName), which explicitly requests the display names. Remember the mnemonic: “Lookup IDs, Choice texts—add .DisplayName to fix the mix.”
PL-900 Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps Practice Question
This PL-900 practice question tests your understanding of demonstrate the capabilities of power apps. 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.
A canvas app displays incorrect data because the source SharePoint list has a lookup column to another list. The app maker used 'Choices' function to populate a dropdown, but the dropdown shows IDs instead of display names. What is the cause?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The Choices function was used on a lookup column, which returns a table of IDs; use Choices( [List].[Column].DisplayName ) instead.
The Choices function returns a table with IDs by default when used with a lookup column; to get display names, the maker should use the 'DisplayName' property. Option A is wrong because delegation is not the issue. Option B is wrong because the formula is correct for single-choice columns. Option D is wrong because the data type is not number.
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 Choices function was used on a lookup column, which returns a table of IDs; use Choices( [List].[Column].DisplayName ) instead.
Why this is correct
For lookup columns, Choices returns the ID table; use the DisplayName property to get display names.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The Choices function was used correctly but the dropdown's DisplayFields property is not set to the display name column.
Why it's wrong here
Choices returns a table; the dropdown's DisplayFields should reference the display name, but the issue is Choices itself.
✗
The lookup column is a number type, not text, so it cannot show names.
Why it's wrong here
Lookup columns store references, not numbers.
✗
The formula is not delegable, causing only partial data.
Why it's wrong here
Delegation affects query limits, not display of lookup values.
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-900 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.
Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps — This question tests Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Choices function was used on a lookup column, which returns a table of IDs; use Choices( [List].[Column].DisplayName ) instead. — The Choices function returns a table with IDs by default when used with a lookup column; to get display names, the maker should use the 'DisplayName' property. Option A is wrong because delegation is not the issue. Option B is wrong because the formula is correct for single-choice columns. Option D is wrong because the data type is not number.
What should I do if I get this PL-900 question wrong?
Identify which PL-900 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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