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1.

To specify the foreign keys in relations referencing temporal data we need to specify _______(a) The time interval(b) The Boolean value for the working(c) The integer corresponding to the relation number(d) None of the mentionedI had been asked this question in exam.I'd like to ask this question from Normal Forms in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) The time interval

Best explanation: To specify the foreign keys in relations referencing temporal data we NEED to specify the time interval. The time interval SPECIFICATION thus preserves referential integrity in the RELATION.
2.

Which of the following is the time of temporal data that record when a fact was recorded in a database?(a) Transaction time(b) Valid time(c) Enter time(d) Exit timeI have been asked this question during an interview.This interesting question is from Normal Forms topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (a) Transaction TIME

For explanation: The transaction time is the time of temporal data that RECORDS when a FACT was recorded in a database.
3.

State true or false: Overlapping time intervals cannot be prevented(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in quiz.This interesting question is from Normal Forms topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct option is (b) False

The EXPLANATION: IF a SYSTEM supports a native VALID time type, then the system can detect and prevent OVERLAPPING time intervals.

4.

Functional dependencies that have a time associated with them during which they are valid are called as________(a) Timed functional dependencies(b) Clocked functional dependencies(c) Temporal functional dependencies(d) Modeled functional dependenciesThe question was posed to me during a job interview.The above asked question is from Normal Forms topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (c) TEMPORAL functional dependencies

To explain: Functional dependencies that have a time associated with them during which they are VALID are called as temporal functional dependencies. All snapshots of the relation should satisfy the functional DEPENDENCY for it to be a temporal functional dependency.
5.

The value of the data at a particular time is called as?(a) Instance(b) Picture(c) Snapshot(d) None of the mentionedThis question was posed to me in quiz.This intriguing question originated from Normal Forms topic in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct option is (C) Snapshot

Easiest EXPLANATION: The value of the DATA at a particular time is called as a snapshot. This is USED in temporal data.

6.

The data that have a time interval associated with them during which they are valid are called as________(a) Timed data(b) Temporal data(c) Model data(d) Clocked dataI had been asked this question in quiz.This is a very interesting question from Normal Forms in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (b) Temporal data

Explanation: The data that have a time interval ASSOCIATED with them during which they are valid are called as Temporal data. We use the term snapshot to MEAN the value of the data at a particular point in time.
7.

State true or false: Crosstabs are not desirable in a database design(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in an online quiz.This intriguing question comes from Normal Forms topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) True

For EXPLANATION: Crosstabs may be USEFUL for the users but they are not desirable in a database system because the queries would get more COMPLICATED DUE to the addition of cross tabs.

8.

The process of making a normalized schema unnormalized is called as _________(a) Unnormalization(b) Denormalization(c) Renormalization(d) AnnormalizationThe question was posed to me during a job interview.My query is from Normal Forms topic in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) Denormalization

Easiest explanation: The process of making a normalized SCHEMA unnormalized is CALLED as denormalization. Designers use it to TUNE performance of SYSTEMS to support time-critical operations.

9.

What is unique role assumption?(a) The attribute name has a unique meaning in the database(b) The attributes are all unique(c) No two tuples have even a single same value in a relation(d) None of the mentionedThis question was addressed to me during a job interview.Question is taken from Normal Forms topic in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right option is (a) The attribute name has a unique meaning in the database

The EXPLANATION: Unique role assumption MEANS that the attribute names must have unique meaning in the database. This prevents us from using the same attribute to MEAN different things in different SCHEMAS.

10.

Which of the following is not a process of generating a good relational schema?(a) Converting ER diagrams to relational schema(b) Decomposing the relational schema while satisfying functional dependencies(c) Joining multiple relations together to form a single relation containing all the attributes(d) A design of relations which is then tested and modified to satisfy given normal formsThis question was addressed to me in class test.My doubt stems from Normal Forms in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT option is (C) Joining multiple relations TOGETHER to form a single relation containing all the attributes

Explanation: Joining multiple relations together to form a single relation containing all the attributes is not a METHOD for the development of good relational schema because it MIGHT violate the normal forms if it is combined.
11.

Which of the following normal forms does not exist?(a) BCNF(b) PJNF(c) 5NF(d) None of the mentionedThe question was asked during an internship interview.My enquiry is from Decomposition Algorithms in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct option is (d) None of the mentioned

The EXPLANATION: All of the mentioned normal FORMS i.e. BCNF, PJNF, 5NF exist. BCNF is Boyce Codd normal form, 5NF is the FIFTH normal form and PJNF is project JOIN normal form.

12.

State true or false: If a relational schema is in _______ NF and A is a subset of R and B is also a subset of R then it is that A is a superkey is a trivial multi values dependency.(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4This question was posed to me in an online quiz.This question is from Decomposition Algorithms topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (d) 4

The BEST I can explain: If a relational schema is in 4NF and A is a subset of R and B is also a subset of R then it is that A is a SUPERKEY is a trivial MULTI values dependency.

13.

The _______ is a set of all functional and multi values dependencies implied by a set of functional dependencies(a) Star(b) Closure(c) Derivation(d) EvolutionI got this question in an internship interview.My question is based upon Decomposition Algorithms topic in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct option is (b) Closure

To EXPLAIN: The closure is a set of all FUNCTIONAL and MULTI values dependencies implied by a set of functional dependencies on a given RELATION. It is denoted by giving a “+” superscript.

14.

Functional dependencies are sometimes referred to as ________(a) Equality generating dependencies(b) Tuple generating dependencies(c) Multi-purpose dependencies(d) None of the mentionedThis question was posed to me in a job interview.My question comes from Decomposition Algorithms in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (a) EQUALITY generating DEPENDENCIES

For explanation I would say: Functional dependencies are sometimes referred to as equality generating dependencies because they REQUIRE other tuples of a CERTAIN form to be present in the relation.

15.

Multi valued dependencies are also called as __________(a) Equality generating dependencies(b) Tuple generating dependencies(c) Multi-purpose dependencies(d) None of the mentionedI got this question during an interview.I would like to ask this question from Decomposition Algorithms topic in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) TUPLE GENERATING dependencies

For EXPLANATION I would say: Multi valued dependencies are also called as tuple generating dependencies because they require other tuples of a certain form to be PRESENT in the RELATION.

16.

State true or false: Most current database systems do not support constraints on materialized view(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in an interview for job.I would like to ask this question from Decomposition Algorithms topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) True

Explanation: Most CURRENT DATABASE SYSTEMS do not SUPPORT constraints on materialized view.
17.

State true or false: SQL specifies a way of mentioning functional dependencies(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in unit test.The question is from Decomposition Algorithms in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right answer is (B) False

For explanation I would say: SQL does not SPECIFY a WAY to mention functional DEPENDENCIES. Functional dependencies are just used for theoretical improvement of database while implementing them in SQL later.

18.

The 3NF decomposition algorithm is also called as _______(a) 3NF normal algorithm(b) 3NF synthesis algorithm(c) 3NF generator(d) Functional dependence algorithmThis question was addressed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.Asked question is from Decomposition Algorithms topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT answer is (B) 3NF synthesis algorithm

Best EXPLANATION: The 3NF decomposition algorithm is also called as 3NF synthesis algorithm since it TAKES a set of dependencies and adds one SCHEMA at a time, instead of decomposing the initial schema repeatedly.
19.

What does the BCNF decomposition algorithm do?(a) States a method to decompose a relation satisfying BCNF(b) States a method for joining two relations satisfying BCNF(c) States a method to decompose a relational schema such that there are no multiple occurrences(d) None of the mentionedThe question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Decomposition Algorithms topic in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) States a method to DECOMPOSE a RELATION SATISFYING BCNF

For explanation I would say: If a relation is not in BCNF, it can be DECOMPOSED into simpler relations that are in BCNF. The BCNF decomposition ALGORITHM states a method to decompose a relation satisfying BCNF.

20.

A_________ Fc for F is a set of dependencies such that F logically implies all dependencies in Fc, and Fc logically implies all dependencies in F.(a) Canonical cover(b) Complete cover(c) Canonical dependency(d) Canonical clauseI had been asked this question at a job interview.The origin of the question is Functional-Dependency Theory in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) CANONICAL cover

Explanation: A Canonical cover Fc for F is a set of dependencies such that F LOGICALLY IMPLIES all dependencies in Fc, and Fc logically implies all dependencies in F. In Fc, no functional DEPENDENCY should contain an extraneous attribute and each left side of functional dependency should be unique.

21.

We say that a decomposition having the property F’+ = F+ is a __________ decomposition.(a) Dependency losing(b) Dependency preserving(c) Lossless(d) None of the mentionedI got this question at a job interview.I'd like to ask this question from Functional-Dependency Theory in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) Dependency preserving

To explain I would say: We say that a DECOMPOSITION having the property F’+ = F+ is a dependency preserving decomposition.
22.

If B is an attribute and A→B, Then B is said to be ________ by a.(a) Logically implied(b) Functionally implied(c) Logically determined(d) Functionally determinedThe question was posed to me in exam.The question is from Functional-Dependency Theory in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct option is (d) Functionally DETERMINED

To explain: If B is an ATTRIBUTE and A→B, Then B is SAID to be functionally determined by a.

23.

If A→B, A→ C then which of the following is true?(a) A→BC(b) A→B(c) A→C(d) All of the mentionedThe question was posed to me in an interview for internship.My enquiry is from Functional-Dependency Theory in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct option is (d) All of the mentioned

Best EXPLANATION: Applying the union rule to the given question, we get, A→BC is TRUE. The other two OPTIONS are specified in the question itself.

24.

State true or false: Functional dependencies are transitive(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.My question is from Functional-Dependency Theory topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (a) True

For explanation I would say: All functional dependencies are transitive. This is the TRANSITIVITY rule of Armstrong’s AXIOMS.

25.

Armstrong axioms are called sound because?(a) They are expensive(b) They cannot generate correct functional dependencies(c) They allow us to generate the complete closure(d) They cannot generate incorrect functional dependenciesThis question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Functional-Dependency Theory topic in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct option is (d) They cannot generate incorrect FUNCTIONAL dependencies

Explanation: ARMSTRONG’s AXIOMS are CALLED as sound axioms because they do not generate incorrect functional dependencies.

26.

State true or false: Armstrong’s axioms allow us to generate all F+ for any given F(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in a job interview.This intriguing question comes from Functional-Dependency Theory in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (a) True

To explain: Armstrong’s axioms allow us to generate all F+ for any given F and HENCE are called complete.
27.

If a functional dependency is reflexive, B is a subset of A and A is the set of attributes, then(a) B→A holds(b) A→B holds(c) AB→C holds(d) None of the mentionedThis question was posed to me in quiz.This question is from Functional-Dependency Theory in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (b) A→B holds

Explanation: If a functional dependency is REFLEXIVE, B is a subset of A and A is the set of attributes, then A→B holds. This is called the reflexivity RULE of Armstrong’s AXIOMS.
28.

If F is a set of functional dependencies, then the closure of F is denoted by?(a) F*(b) Fo(c) F+(d) FI had been asked this question in an interview for internship.I'd like to ask this question from Functional-Dependency Theory topic in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (c) F+

The best EXPLANATION: If F is a set of FUNCTIONAL DEPENDENCIES, then the closure of F is denoted by F+. It is the set of all functional dependencies logically implied by F.

29.

A functional dependency f on R is _______by a set of functional dependencies F on r if every instance of r(R) that satisfies f also satisfies F.(a) Logically Defined(b) Logically Derived(c) Logically implied(d) None of the mentionedI have been asked this question in an interview for job.The origin of the question is Functional-Dependency Theory in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) Logically implied

To explain: Given a set F of functional dependencies on a schema, we can PROVE that certain other functional dependencies also hold on that schema. We SAY such FDs are logically implied by F. A functional DEPENDENCY f on R is logically implied by a set of functional dependencies F on r if every instance of r(R) that satisfies F also satisfies f.
30.

State true or false: The fourth normal form does not exist and it is instead called as the BCNF.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in an online quiz.My enquiry is from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right choice is (b) False

Easy explanation: The fourth NORMAL form EXISTS and is DIFFERENT from the Boyce Codd normal form which is CALLED as BCNF.

31.

State true or false: A functional dependency must first satisfy the second normal form to satisfy the third normal form.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.I'd like to ask this question from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies topic in chapter Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT option is (a) True

For explanation I would SAY: A functional dependency MUST first satisfy the second normal form to satisfy the THIRD normal form. The second normal form must in turn satisfy first normal form.
32.

F+is called as the ________ of F(a) Closure(b) Sum(c) Cartesian product(d) None of the mentionedThe question was posed to me in a job interview.The origin of the question is Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT choice is (a) CLOSURE

Best EXPLANATION: F+ is called as the closure of F. It contains all the POSSIBLE combinations of a functional dependency SET in it.
33.

Which of the following is not a condition for the third normal form in the case of XY?(a) X→ Y is trivial(b) X is the superkey for R(c) Each attribute in Y-X is a candidate key for R(d) Each attribute in X-Y is a candidate key for RThe question was asked in a national level competition.Enquiry is from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The CORRECT ANSWER is (d) Each attribute in X-Y is a candidate key for R

To elaborate: Each attribute in X-Y is a candidate key for R is not a NECESSARY CONDITION for the third normal form in the case of X →Y. X→Y is trivial and X is the superkey of R are necessary conditions for the third normal form.

34.

Which of the following is used to express database consistency?(a) Primary keys(b) Functional dependencies(c) Check clause(d) All of the mentionedThis question was posed to me at a job interview.The doubt is from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right choice is (d) All of the mentioned

For explanation: Primary keys, Functional dependencies, CHECK CLAUSE are all USED to EXPRESS database consistency.

35.

Which of the following is not a condition for X→Y in Boyce codd normal form?(a) X →Y is trivial(b) X is the superkey for the relational schema R(c) Y is the superkey for the relational schema R(d) All of the mentionedThe question was asked in examination.This intriguing question comes from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right option is (c) Y is the superkey for the RELATIONAL schema R

Easiest explanation: Y does not need to be a superkey of the relation for the given functional dependency to SATISFY BCNF. X→ Y must be trivial and X must be the superkey of the relation R.

36.

X→ Y is trivial if?(a) X ⊂ Y(b) Y ⊂ X(c) X ⊇ Y(d) None of the mentionedI have been asked this question in examination.Enquiry is from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) X ⊂ Y

For explanation: X→ Y is SAID to be TRIVIAL if X is a SUBSET of Y. THUS X ⊂ Y implies X→Y is trivial.

37.

X →Y holds on a schema k(K) if?(a) At least one legal instance satisfies the functional dependency(b) No legal instance satisfies the functional dependency(c) Each and every legal instance satisfies the functional dependency(d) None of the mentionedI had been asked this question in unit test.This intriguing question originated from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (C) Each and every legal instance satisfies the functional dependency

Explanation: X →Y HOLDS on a schema k(K) if each and every legal instance satisfies the functional dependency. Even if one instance does not SATISFY the functional dependency X→ Y does not hold on a schema.

38.

If K → R then K is said to be the _______ of R(a) Candidate key(b) Foreign key(c) Super key(d) DomainI had been asked this question in unit test.This question is from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (c) Super key

For explanation I would say: If K →R then k is said to be the superkey of R i.e. K uniquely identifies EVERY tuple in the relation R.

39.

An instance of a relation that satisfies all real world constraints is known as?(a) Proper relation(b) Ideal relation(c) Perfect relation(d) Legal relationI got this question in exam.Asked question is from Decomposition Using Functional Dependencies topic in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) Legal relation

Explanation: A relation that SATISFIES all the real world CONSTRAINTS is called as a legal relation. An instance of a legal relation is called as a legal instance.
40.

State true or false: Redundancy is desired in a relational schema(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in an interview for internship.Query is from Features of Good Relational Design in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (b) False

To explain: Redundancy is never desired in a RELATIONAL schema, it MAKES data retrieval very difficult.

41.

State true or false: Composite attributes have non-atomic domains.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me during an online exam.Enquiry is from Features of Good Relational Design in section Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (b) False

Explanation: Composite attributes have non ATOMIC domains i.e. domains of the composite attributes are generally DIVISIBLE.
42.

If all the domains are atomic then the relational schema is in ________ normal form(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4The question was asked in an internship interview.I want to ask this question from Features of Good Relational Design topic in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) 1

To explain I would say: If all the domains are atomic then the relational schema is in FIRST (1) normal FORM. That is, the domains must be INDIVISIBLE.

43.

A domain whose elements are indivisible is called as ______(a) Unique domain(b) Proxy domain(c) Atomic domain(d) Multiple domainThe question was asked in an interview for job.Asked question is from Features of Good Relational Design in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT option is (c) Atomic domain

Explanation: A domain is said to be atomic if all of its elements are considered to be INDIVISIBLE. If the DOMAINS are atomic, then the relational schema is in the first normal FORM.
44.

If the decomposition is able to represent all the facts about the relation then such a decomposition is called as?(a) Lossless decomposition(b) Lossy decomposition(c) Insecure decomposition(d) Secure decompositionThe question was posed to me during an online interview.My question is taken from Features of Good Relational Design in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) LOSSLESS decomposition

Best EXPLANATION: If the decomposition is able to represent all the facts about the relation then such a decomposition is CALLED as a lossless decomposition. Lossless DECOMPOSITIONS are generally preferred.

45.

If the decomposition is unable to represent certain important facts about the relation, then such a decomposition is called as?(a) Lossless decomposition(b) Lossy decomposition(c) Insecure decomposition(d) Secure decompositionI got this question in final exam.Origin of the question is Features of Good Relational Design in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) Lossy decomposition

Explanation: If the decomposition is unable to represent certain important FACTS about the relation, then such a decomposition is called as lossy decomposition. Lossy decompositions should be avoided as they result in the LOSS of DATA.
46.

The dependency rules specified by the database designer are known as _______(a) Designer dependencies(b) Database rules(c) Functional dependencies(d) None of the mentionedI got this question in semester exam.I need to ask this question from Features of Good Relational Design in portion Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer»

Right choice is (c) FUNCTIONAL dependencies

For explanation I would say: The dependency RULES SPECIFIED by the DATABASE designer are known as functional dependencies. The normal forms are BASED on functional dependencies.

47.

Which of the following is not a feature of a good relational design?(a) Specifying primary keys(b) Specifying foreign keys(c) Preserving integrity constraints(d) Allowing redundancy of attributesI got this question in unit test.My doubt is from Features of Good Relational Design in division Relational Database Design of RDBMS

Answer» CORRECT OPTION is (d) Allowing redundancy of ATTRIBUTES

To elaborate: Allowing redundancy of attributes makes it very difficult for data extraction. So, It is not a good relational design feature.