Consider a relation R(A, B, C), which of the following statements is not true…

2025

Consider a relation R(A, B, C), which of the following statements is not true according to inference rules for functional dependencies?

  1. A.

    If A → B and B → C, then A → C

  2. B.

    If AB → C, then A → B and B → C

  3. C.

    If A → B and A → C, then A → BC

  4. D.

    If A → B, then AC → BC

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Correct answer: B

Solution

Armstrong's axioms are the basic inference rule. Armstrong's axioms are used to conclude functional dependencies on a relational database.

Inference rules for functional dependencies are transitive, union, augmentation, reflexive, and decomposition

Option 1: True:

Transitive Rule

In the transitive rule, if A determines B and B determines C, then A must also determine C.

If A → B and B → C then A → C

Option 3: True:

Union Rule

Union rule says, if A determines B and A determines C, then A must also determine B and C.

If A → B and A → C then A → BC

Option 4: True:

Augmentation Rule

The augmentation is also called a partial dependency. In augmentation, if A determines C, then AC determines BC for any C.

If A → C then AC → BC

Hence Option 2 is the correct Answer

Additional Information

Decomposition Rule

The decomposition rule is also known as the project rule. It is the reverse of union rule.

This rule says, if A determines B and C, then A determines B and A determines C separately.

If A → BC then A → B and A → C

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