Functional Dependency Solving Algorithm for Minimal Cover

In summary, after reducing RHS into singletons, reducing LHS redundant attributes, and removing redundant functional dependencies, the minimal set of functional dependencies for F is {AB->C, C->A, BC->D, D->E, D->G, BE->C, CG->B, CE->G}. It is not possible to further refine this solution set.
  • #1
chopnhack
53
3
Homework Statement
Solve the minimal cover of F={AB-->C, C-->A, BC-->D, ACD-->B, D-->EG, BE-->C, CG-->BD, CE-->G}
Relevant Equations
1st - Reduce RHS to singletons
2nd - Reduce LHS redundant attributes where permitted using closure of attributes where desired
attribute is in the closure
3rd - Reduce redundant functional dependencies using closure of attributes
Step 1: Reduce RHS into singletons
F = {AB->C, C->A, BC->D, ACD->B, D->E, D->G, BE->C, CG->B, CG->D, CE->G}
Step 2: Reduce LHS redundant attributes
ACD->B has closure of A: A, C: C,A and D: D,E,G since A is in the closure of C we can remove A from ACD->B making it CD->B no other LHS could be reduced.
Step 3: Remove redundant functional dependencies
ACD closure = ACDEGB since B is in the closure and also in the functional dependency ACD->B , we can remove it from the list of fd's
CG closure = CGBD since D is in the closure and also in the functional dependency CG->D, we can also remove it from the list of fd's

This leaves F'={AB->C, C->A, BC->D, D->E, D->G, BE->C, CG->B, CE->G}
Can I use transitivity to reduce this further, i.e. - AB->C and C->A becomes AB->A which can be removed since it becomes trivial?
Is {BC->D, D->EG, BE->C, CG->B, CE->G} the minimal set? If not, can you give me some advice on how to further refine the solution set?
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
chopnhack said:
3rd - Reduce redundant functional dependencies using closure of attributes
ACD closure = ACDEGB since B is in the closure and also in the functional dependency ACD->B , we can remove it from the list of fd's
CG closure = CGBD since D is in the closure and also in the functional dependency CG->D, we can also remove it from the list of fd's
Neither of these is valid. What rule are you trying to use here? The way you've written it cannot be a rule since by definition, an item that is in the RHS of a fd is always in the closure of the LHS of that fd.
In fact you can remove either of the two rules you have removed, but not both.
 

What is a functional dependency solving algorithm?

A functional dependency solving algorithm is a method used to determine the minimal cover of a given set of functional dependencies. It is used in database design to simplify and optimize the structure of a database.

What is a minimal cover?

A minimal cover is the smallest set of functional dependencies that can express the same information as a given set of functional dependencies. It eliminates any redundant or extraneous dependencies and ensures that the database is in a normalized form.

Why is it important to find the minimal cover?

Finding the minimal cover is important because it helps to reduce the size and complexity of a database, making it more efficient and easier to maintain. It also ensures that the database is free from any data anomalies, such as insertion, deletion, and update anomalies.

What is the process of solving for a minimal cover using a functional dependency solving algorithm?

The process involves identifying all the functional dependencies in a given set, eliminating any redundant or extraneous dependencies, and then combining the remaining dependencies to form the minimal cover. This is done by applying a set of rules, such as the Armstrong's axioms, to determine the closure of each attribute and check for dependencies that can be eliminated.

Are there any limitations to using a functional dependency solving algorithm?

Yes, there are some limitations to using a functional dependency solving algorithm. It may not always produce the most optimal minimal cover, as there can be multiple minimal covers for a given set of functional dependencies. Additionally, the process can be time-consuming and complex for large databases with many functional dependencies.

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