Which one of the options given below refers to the degree (or arity) of a relation in relational database systems? A) Number of attributes of its relation schema. B) Number of tuples stored in the relation. C) Number of entries in the relation. D) Number of distinct domains of its relation schema.

Official answer: A) Number of attributes of its relation schema.. Explanation: In relational database management systems: - The degree (or arity) of a relation is defined as the total number of attributes (columns) present in its relation schema. - The cardinality of a relation is the total number of tuples (rows) stored in the relation instance. Therefore, option A correctly defines the degree (or arity). - B describes the *cardinality* of the relation. - C corresponds to the total number of cells/elements across all tuples. - D is incorrect because different attributes may share the same domain.

A) Number of attributes of its relation schema.

B) Number of tuples stored in the relation.

C) Number of entries in the relation.

D) Number of distinct domains of its relation schema.

Databases · Relational Model and SQL

Official IIT answer key · IIT Kanpur · Audited Aug 2026

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GATE CSE 2023 Q16 · MCQ · 1 mark

Which one of the options given below refers to the degree (or arity) of a relation in relational database systems?

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Relational Model and SQL

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GATE tests the relational model across three interrelated formalisms: Relational Algebra (RA), Relational Calculus (TRC/DRC), and SQL. Questions evaluate core semantic equivalences, translation between declarative calculi and algebraic operators, table instance tracing (such as joins, group-by aggregations, and division), and corner cases like SQL three-valued logic, duplicate preservation, and safe TRC expressions.

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Databases · Relational Model and SQL

Official IIT answer key · IIT Kanpur · Audited Aug 2026

Take topic test

GATE CSE 2023 Q16 · MCQ · 1 mark

Which one of the options given below refers to the degree (or arity) of a relation in relational database systems?

Select an option to check

Key concept

Relational Model and SQL

Step-by-step verified solution

Examiner trap & misconception

Topic notes

How GATE tests Relational Model and SQL

Full Relational Model and SQL guide →

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Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.

Which one of the options given below refers to the degree (or arity) of a relation in relational database systems?

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