Functional dependency logic: If attribute A functionally determines both attributes B and C, what else must be true?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: A → B.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Functional dependencies capture how attributes determine one another. They are central to normalization reasoning and key identification.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are told A determines B and A determines C.
  • We seek a statement that must be true given this premise.


Concept / Approach:
If A determines B and C, then it trivially follows that A determines B. The dependency is one of those explicitly stated. The converse dependencies do not automatically follow without additional information.



Step-by-Step Solution:

From the premise: A → B and A → C are both given.Therefore, A → B is necessarily true.No inference supports B → A, C → A, or (B, C) → A without extra assumptions.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a concrete example. A as a primary key can determine other attributes. That does not imply any non-key attribute determines the key.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • B → A or C → A would imply reversal of dependency, which is not guaranteed.
  • (B, C) → A also does not follow from A determining B and C.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming determinacy is symmetric. It is not; functional dependency is directional.



Final Answer:
A → B.

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