In data modeling, which term refers to an entity whose identifier includes (and depends on) the identifier of another parent entity, such that the child's primary key contains the parent's key?

Introduction / Context:An essential idea in logical data modeling is how one entity's identity can depend on another. When the child's key literally embeds the parent's key, we call that an ID-dependent pattern. This question asks you to name that concept.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The child entity cannot be uniquely identified without the parent's identifier.
• The child's primary key includes the parent's key (for example, OrderLine has key (OrderID, LineNo)).
• We are reasoning at the logical design level, independent of a specific DBMS.

Concept / Approach:An ID-dependent entity is one whose primary key contains the primary (or candidate) key of its parent entity. This is stronger than merely having a foreign key; here, the foreign key is part of the child's primary key, binding the child's identity to the parent.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Try removing the parent's key from the child's key. If the child would no longer be unique, the entity is ID-dependent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Weak entity: often used broadly, but the precise term for “identifier includes parent's identifier” is ID-dependent entity.
• Strong entity: its identity is independent.
• ID-independent entity: explicitly the opposite of what is described.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing “has a foreign key” with “is ID-dependent.” Many children have foreign keys; ID-dependence requires the parent's key to be part of the child's primary key.

Final Answer:ID-dependent entity