Consider the relation scheme R = (E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N) and the set of functional dependencies {{E, F} → {G}, {F} → {I, J}, {E, H} → {K, L}, {K} → {M}, {L} → {N}} on R. What is the key for R?
Topic-wise GATE CS PYQs with verified steps
GATE CSE 2014 Set 1 · Q21
Time
Select one answerSingle correct
Solution
Official answer: B) {E, F, H}
Integrity Constraints and Normal FormsTo determine the candidate key for relation schema :
Identify essential attributes: Look at the right-hand side of all given FDs:
Attributes missing from the RHS of all FDs are . These attributes must be part of every candidate key since they cannot be derived from any other attribute.
Compute the attribute closure of :
Using , add :
Using , add :
Using , add :
Using , add :
Using , add :
Since contains all attributes of and no proper subset can be a key, is the candidate key for .
Hence, option (B) is correct.
Try the question first, then check your work.
Examiner trap
Identify which attributes never appear on the right-hand side of any functional dependency; they must be part of any candidate key.
This Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms previous year question is Q21 of the GATE CSE 2014 Set 1 paper. Find more GATE CSE PYQs on Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms in Databases, or browse all GATE CSE PYQs.
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Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms has 30 GATE CSE PYQs across 20 papers from 2011 to 2026. 10 of them are 1-mark MCQs like this one, and GATE CSE 2014 Set 1 has 2.
How GATE tests Integrity Constraints and Normal FormsIndependent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.