The GATE Grind

GATE 2024 CS (CS2) – Question 20

Databases · ER-Model and Database Architecture · 1 mark · Multiple choice

In the context of owner and weak entity sets in the ER (Entity-Relationship) data model, which one of the following statements is TRUE?

  1. The weak entity set MUST have total participation in the identifying relationship
  2. The owner entity set MUST have total participation in the identifying relationship
  3. Both weak and owner entity sets MUST have total participation in the identifying relationship
  4. Neither weak entity set nor owner entity set MUST have total participation in the identifying relationship

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Correct answer: (A) The weak entity set MUST have total participation in the identifying relationship

Explanation

A weak entity cannot exist without its owner, so it must totally participate in the identifying relationship. The owner need not participate totally.