Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Distance Learning Programmes Division

First Semester 2008-2009
Mid-Semester Test
(EC-1 Regular)

Course No. : IS ZC332
Course Title : DATABASE SYSTEMS & APPLICATIONS
Nature of Exam : Closed Book
Weightage : 40%
Duration : 2 Hours
Date of Exam : 02/08/2008 (AN)
Note:
1. Please follow all the Instructions to Candidates given on the cover page of the answer book.
2. All parts of a question should be answered consecutively. Each answer should start from a fresh page.
3. Mobile phones and computers of any kind should not be used inside the examination hall.
4. Use of any unfair means will result in severe disciplinary action.

Q.1 Consider the following relation:
CAR_SALE (Car#, Date_Sold, Salesman #, Commission %, Discount _ Amt)
Assume that a car may be sold by multiple salesman and hence {Car#,
Salesman#} is the primary key. Additional Dependencies are
Date_Sold Discount _Amt and Salesman# Commission %.

1.1. What is the current highest normal form of CAR_SALE and why?
1.2. Normalize the relation up to BCNF. [3 + 4 = 7]

Q.2 State precisely the two different modes of accessing records in which an index can
be beneficiary. List a prime difference between the two modes of access. [4]

Q.3 Answer the following briefly and to the point.

3.1. Give an example of self-referencing (Unary) relationship with Many-to-
Many cardinality constraint on either side.
3.2. List the four conditions / constraints, which on fulfillment can convert a
relationship construct in an ER to an associative entity type.
3.3. Give the characteristics of an identifier attribute other than the one listed
here. (An identifier cannot be null)
3.4. All tables do not qualify as relations. Give the qualifications other than
those listed here (1. A relation has a unique name, 2. Each row carry unique
values) [2 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 10]

Q.4 (a). Create a table named as Branch with the columns branch_name and
branch_city charater type ,assets as integer type. Declare branch_name as the
primary key for branch and ensure that the values of assets are non-negative.
Q.4 (b). Interpret the logic used in the following SQL in a single English statement.
create assertion sum_constraint check (not exists (select * from branch where
(select sum(amount ) from loan where loan.branch_name =
branch.branch_name ) >= (select sum (amount ) from account
where loan.branch_name = branch.branch_name ))

Q.4 (c). Views can be dropped using the DROP VIEW command. Specify the solution
provided by any modern DBMS to handle DROP TABLE if theres a view on
the table? [3 + 3 + 3 = 9]

IS ZC332 Page 1 of 2 (PTO)
No. of Pages = 2
No. of Questions = 5
IS ZC332 (EC-1 REGULAR) FIRST SEMESTER 2008-2009 PAGE 2



Q.5 (a). Draw an ER model of the ARTIST database which conforms to the following
conditions. The model should contain proper ER constructs and cardinality
sets.

a) A painter might paint many paintings. To be considered a painter in the
ARTIST database, the painter must have painted atleast one painting.
b) Each painting is painted by one and only one painter.
c) A painting might (or might not) be exhibited in a gallery.
d) Characteristic features of a painter include a unique painter number, painter
name and areacode he belongs to. Features of a painting include a unique
painting number, painting title and the painting price. Features of a gallery
include a unique gallery number, gallery owner, area code and exhibition
date.

Q.5 (b). Specify the complete relational schema for the above conceptual model.
[6 + 4 = 10]


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