Identify syntactically incorrect ServiceNow PA formula

CAS-PA By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

A ((Number of new critical incidents)) / ((Number of new incidents)) * 100

Question

Select the syntactically INCORRECT formula, assuming that all Indicators names are valid.
  1. ((Number of new critical incidents)) / ((Number of new incidents)) * 100 Correct Answer
  2. 100 - ((([[Average resolution time of resolved incidents]] - 17.5) / 17.5) * 100)
  3. if ([[Number of resolved incidents]] == 0) {0} else ([[Number of resolved incidents]])
  4. [[Number of new incidents]] / {{Number of new incidents}} * 100

Key Takeaways

The exam tests the strict requirement that indicators must be referenced using double square brackets [[ ]], distinguishing this valid syntax from mathematical grouping or breakdown exclusion syntax.

This question assesses knowledge of ServiceNow Performance Analytics formula syntax, specifically the correct delimiters for indicator references and breakdown exclusions. The community consensus identifies option A as the syntactically incorrect formula because it fails to use the required double square brackets for indicator names.

Common mistake: Selecting option D is a common error because users often misinterpret the curly braces `{{ }}` as invalid template syntax, unaware that they represent valid syntax for excluding breakdowns in formulas.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Option A is syntactically incorrect because ServiceNow Performance Analytics formulas require indicator names to be enclosed in double square brackets [[ ]]. The use of double parentheses (( )) is strictly for mathematical grouping operations; without the square brackets, the text inside is treated as an undefined string rather than a valid indicator reference.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Options B and C utilize standard syntax, correctly applying [[ ]] for indicators and standard operators for calculations. Option D is syntactically correct because, as highlighted in community comments and official documentation, curly braces (such as {{ }} or { }) are used to prevent a formula from following breakdowns for the specified indicator.

Community Comment Notes

While one comment suggested option D was incorrect due to the braces, the majority of the community and the provided documentation confirm that curly braces are valid for breakdown exclusion. Comments 2 and 3 solidify that option A is the intended answer because it lacks the fundamental [[ ]] syntax required to define an indicator.

Official Reference

https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/washingtondc-now-intelligence/page/use/performance-analytics/concept/c_ExcludingBreakdownsFromFormulas.html

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

Memorize the specific delimiter functions: [[ ]] is mandatory for indicators, { } is for excluding breakdowns, and ( ) is for math. If an option contains an indicator name without [[ ]], it is automatically the incorrect syntax.

Community Votes

A
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 3 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 3

  1. b3de868 👍 2
    The syntactically incorrect formula, given that all indicator names are valid, is: D. [[Number of new incidents]] / {{Number of new incidents}} * 100 The use of double curly braces {{}} is incorrect syntax for referencing indicators or constants in Performance Analytics formulas. Indicators should be referenced with double square brackets [[]], and constants don't typically require any special brackets in this context.
  2. NGomesGW 👍 1 Answered A
    Given answer is correct. Accordingly to the documentation (https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/washingtondc-now-intelligence/page/use/performance-analytics/concept/c_ExcludingBreakdownsFromFormulas.html) it is possible to use curly brackets, which will not follow breakdowns for the whole formula indicator. Example given on docs: 'You can still specify a breakdown and element for a contributing indicator that does not follow breakdowns for the whole formula indicator. Consider the formula [[Incidents]] / {{Customers > importance = high}}. In this example, the formula denominator is always broken down to include only the high-importance customers. Any breakdown applied to the formula indicator, such as the region breakdown, does not apply to the Customers indicator.'
  3. xheniinehx 👍 1 Answered A
    A is correct, check this Formula indicator in a PDI Instance: % new high risk changes

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