Chapter 15

Database
2.3 Database
• definea single-table database from given data storage requirements
• choose and specify suitable data types A
• choose a suitable primary key for a database table
• perform a query-by-example from given search criteria
database is an organized and persistent (permanent) collection of data.

The collected information could be in any number of formats (electronic, printed, graphic, audio,
statistical, combinations). There are physical (paper/print) and electronic databases.

A database could be as simple as an alphabetical arrangement of names in an address book or as

complex as a database that provides information in a combination of formats.

Examples:

phone book
address book
Census Bureau data

Database Management System (DBMS)

Database management system is a mechanism for manipulating data with high level command. It
hides low level details such are as how data are obtained.
Database management system also has ability to search record by queries and to create reports
and view data.
Entity
An entity is a “real world thing” about which data is held. Examples of entities include:
A customer A product A pupil A supplier
A hotel room A DVD A flight A holiday
A treatment An address book A book A car
An order An animal A student
An attribute is a feature of that entity. For example, a hotel room might have an attribute about
whether it has a view or whether it is single or double. A student might have a date of birth and an
address.
An entity is stored as a table in a database and an attribute becomes a field in a table.
All the data about a particular entity is stored in a single table. Each data item about the entity is a
field.
Database record
Data in a database table is organised into rows (records) and columns (fields). Each record in a
relational database table corresponds to an entity. In the example table of 'Students' above there
are 5 records. Each record corresponds to an individual student. Note that although there are two
students called Philip Barker with the same date of birth, they have different Student IDs and are
different students.

Database field
An attribute is a piece of information or a characteristic of an entity. Attributes of entities are
represented in database tables by fields (columns). A field stores one item of data for a record. In
the table above, each student is represented in the relational database by a record and the
student attributes are stored in the following fields:
Student ID
Forename
Surname
Date of Birth
Fields have the following characteristics:
Each field in a table has a unique name. Note, however, that the same field name can occur in
other tables of the same relational database.
Each field stores a single item of data - For example, a field called Date of Birth would store no
more than one date of birth value.
Each field has a particular data type – for example, text, Boolean, integer, date/time, etc.
Each field can have its own validation rules - these ensure that data recorded in the field is of the
right type and format.
Data types
Different data types are identified so that a computer can store and process the data appropriately.
Data types include:
text ()
number (numeric) may include:
o Auto number
o Currency
date/time
Boolean (or Yes/No).

Primary Keys
Each table has a primary key. This is a field chosen so that it can uniquely identify each record.
Sometimes an existing attribute can be used because it is unique but most of the time some sort
of ID is created. Primary keys can be used to link to foreign keys in other tables. A foreign key is
the primary key in a different table and it is not necessarily unique.

Example Question:
A picture gallery owner has decided to set up a database to keep information about the pictures he
has for sale. The database table, PICTURE, will contain the following fields:
Title; Artist; Description; Catalogue Number; Size (area in square centimeters); Price; Arrived (date
picture arrived at gallery); Sold (whether picture is already sold)
(a) (i) State what data type you would choose for each field.
Title: ....................................................................................................................................................
Artist: ..................................................................................................................................................
Description: ........................................................................................................................................
Catalogue Number: ............................................................................................................................
Size: ...................................................................................................................................................
Price: ..................................................................................................................................................
Arrived: ...............................................................................................................................................
Sold: ..............................................................................................................................................[4]
(ii) State which field you would choose for the primary key

………………………………………………………………………………...........................................[1]
Query
The prime function of a relational database is to store data in an organised way so that users can
interrogate (search) and manipulate (sort) the data. The interrogation of a database is called
querying the database and a question used to interrogate the data is called a query.
Query by Example (QBE) is a database query language for relational databases. It was devised
by Moshé M. Zloof at IBM Research during the mid-1970s, in parallel to the development of SQL.
It is the first graphical query language, using visual tables where the user would enter commands,
example elements and conditions.

Databaseuser-interface in which the user fills out a form to retrieve data. The database makes the
search on the basis of the example(s) provided by the user.
The query to find students in form 10B

A complex query looks for data in two or more fields and uses the logical operators OR, AND or
NOT.

The following example uses a complex query to find all of the pupils in Form 10B who were born
before 1995. This query uses the logical operator AND:
(Form = “10B”) AND (Date of Birth < 01/01/1995).
Operators can be used to refine search results.
Operator Meaning

= Equals

< Less than

<= Less than or equal to

> Greater than

>= Greater than or equal to

<> Not equal to

The query design is shown below. Note that this time there are two entries in the search criteria
row Also note that this time the query has been given a meaningful name (“Select Query –
Pupils in 10B born before 1995”). This saves other database users from unnecessarily creating
the same query.

Below is a new complex query that uses the logical operator OR to find pupils who are in Form
10A or Form 10C: (Form = “10A” OR “Form = “10C”) this time, in the query definition there will be
two criteria lines. The query and its results are shown below:

Wildcards in Queries
Wildcard characters can be used in database queries. For example you may want a list of all
pupils born in November, or all of the pupils whose surname starts with a ‘C’. Wildcard searches
allow you to specify the part of the data that you know and leave the data handling software to fill
in the blanks.
Surname Like “C*” would find all records where the surname begins with a C.
Quick Revision Questions:
Q 1) Define following terms:
Database: ...........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Entity: .................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Table: .................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Field/ Attribute: ..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Record/Tupple: ...................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Primary Key: ......................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
Query: ................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Candidate Example Response Summer 2015 P22
6 A database, MARKS, was set up to record the test results for a class of students. Part of the
database is shown below.

(a) Give the number of fields that are in each record.

........................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) State which fields you would choose for the primary key.
.............................................................................................................................................
Give a reason for choosing this field.
............................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................[2]
(c) The query-by-example grid below selects all students with more than 60 marks in History or
more than 60 marks in Geography.

Show what would be output.

.....................................................................................................................................................[2]
(d) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select and show the student names only of all
students with less than 40 marks in both Maths and English. [3]
30 Summer 2019 P22
6 A database table, FLIGHT, is used to keep a record of flights from a small airfield. Planes can
carry passengers, freight or both. Some flights are marked as private and only carry passengers.
Departure
Flight number Plane Notes Passengers
time
FN101 Caravan 1 Private passenger flight 08:00 Y
CN101 Caravan 2 Freight only 08:30 N
CN102 Piper 1 Freight only 09:00 N
FN104 Piper 2 Passengers only 09:20 Y
FN105 Piper 1 Freight and passengers 10:00 Y
FN106 Caravan 1 Passengers only 10:30 Y
CN108 Caravan 2 Freight only 08:00 N
CN110 Lear Private passenger flight 08:00 Y
(a) State the field that could have a Boolean data type.
Field .................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) A query-by-example has been written to display just the flight numbers of all planes leaving
after 10:00 that only carry passengers.
Field: Deparure
Flight number Passengers
time
Table: FLIGHT FLIGHT FLIGHT
Sort:
Show:

Criteria: =Y = 10:00
or:

Explain why the query-by-example is incorrect, and write a correct query-by-example. [7]
Explanation .........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Field:
Table:
Sort:
Show:

Criteria:
or:
Examination Questions
14.9 Specimen paper 2016 P2
7 A database ELEMENTS was set up to show the properties of certain chemical elements. Part of
the database is shown below.

(a) How many fields are in each record?

...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) The following search condition was entered:
(Melting point (C) < 40) AND (Atomic weight > 100)
Using Element symbol only, which records would be output?
............................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................ [2]
(c) Which field would be best suited as primary key?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
14.10 Summer 2015 P21& 23
7 A database, PROPERTY, was set up to show the prices of properties for sale and the features of each
property. Part of the database is shown below.
Property Brochure Number of Number of Garden Garage Price in $
Type No Bedrooms Bathrooms
Bungalow B17 7 4 Yes Yes 750,000
Apartment A09 2 1 No No 100,000
House H10 4 2 Yes No 450,000
House H13 3 2 Yes No 399000
Apartment A01 2 2 No Yes 95000
Apartment A16 1 1 No No 150000
House H23 3 1 No Yes 250000
House H46 2 1 Yes Yes 175000
(a) Give the number of fields that are in each record.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) State which field you would choose for the primary key.
...................................................................................................................................................
Give a reason for choosing this field.
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) State the data type you would choose for each of the following fields.
Garage .....................................................................................................................................
Number of Bedrooms .............................................................................................................
Price in $ ..............................................................................................................................[3]
(d) The query-by-example grid below selects all houses with more than 1 bathroom and more
than 2 bedrooms.

Show what would be output.

...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]
(e) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select and show the brochure number, property
type and price of all properties with a garage below $200,000.
Examiner Report Question 7
(a) Many candidates correctly identified the number of fields in each record.
(b) Most candidates correctly identified the field to choose for the primary key. Better candidates gave a correct reason for their
choice.
(c) Nearly all candidates correctly stated at least one data type.
(d) Most candidates correctly showed only the Price in $ and the Brochure No, as identified by the query-by-example grid. Better
candidates showed attention to detail, by correctly putting the prices in ascending order and the Price in $ field before the
Brochure No field as indicated by the query-by-example grid.
(e) Most candidates correctly identified the fields to include in the query-by-example grid and identified those that were to be
shown. A common error was to incorrectly set the criterion for the garage, when the data type had been set as a Boolean field in
part (c).

14.11 Summer 2015 P22

6 A database, MARKS, was set up to record the test results for a class of students. Part of the
database is shown below.

(a) Give the number of fields that are in each record.

........................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) State which fields you would choose for the primary key.
.............................................................................................................................................
Give a reason for choosing this field.
............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) The query-by-example grid below selects all students with more than 60 marks in History or
more than 60 marks in Geography.
Show what would be output.
............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................[2]

(d) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select and show the student names only of all
students with less than 40 marks in both Maths and English. [3]

Examiner’s comments on Question 6

(a) Many candidates correctly identified the number of fields in each record.
(b) Most candidates correctly identified the field to choose for the primary key. Better candidates gave a correct reason
for their choice.
(c) Better candidates correctly showed only the student names as identified by the query-by-example grid. Some of
these candidates correctly ordered the names in ascending order.
(d) Most candidates correctly identified the fields to include in the query-by-example grid and identified those that were
to be shown. A common error was to set the Maths or English criteria to OR rather than AND, where both criteria are
on the same row.
14.12 Winter 2015 P21 & 22
6 A picture gallery owner has decided to set up a database to keep information about the pictures
he has for sale. The database table, PICTURE, will contain the following fields:
Title; Artist; Description; Catalogue Number; Size (area in square centimetres); Price; Arrived (date
picture arrived at gallery); Sold (whether picture is already sold)
(a) (i) State what data type you would choose for each field.
Title .....................................................................................................................................................
Artist ..................................................................................................................................................
Description ........................................................................................................................................
Catalogue Number ............................................................................................................................
Size ...................................................................................................................................................
Price ..................................................................................................................................................
Arrived ...............................................................................................................................................
Sold ...............................................................................................................................................[4]
(ii) State which field you would choose for the primary key.
.......................................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Give a validation check that you can perform on each of these fields. Each validation check must
be different.
Catalogue Number ............................................................................................................................
Size ....................................................................................................................................................
Price ...................................................................................................................................................
Arrived ............................................................................................................................................[4]
(c) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select and show the Catalogue Number, Title and
Price of all unsold pictures by the artist ‘Twister’.

Examiners Comments Question 6

(a) (i) Most candidates correctly identified the correct data type for some of the fields. Candidates who did less well throughout,
incorrectly used data types from programming rather than database management.
(ii) Most candidates correctly identified the field to choose for the primary key.
(b) Many candidates correctly identified at least one suitable validation check. Candidates with stronger responses throughout
identified four different checks; a few candidates incorrectly repeated a validation check.
(c) Many candidates correctly identified the fields to include in the query-by-example grid; stronger responses identified those
fields that were to be shown. A common error was to not include the table name.

14.13 Winter 2015 P23

5 A motor boat hire company decides to set up a database to keep information about boats that
are available for hire. The database table, BOAT, will contain the following fields:
Boat Name; Model; Engine Power (in hp); Number of Seats; Life Raft (whether there is a life raft
kept on the boat); Day Price (price for a day’s hire).
(a) Give the data type you would choose for each field.
Boat Name .........................................................................................................................................
Model .................................................................................................................................................
Engine Power .....................................................................................................................................
Number of Seats ................................................................................................................................
Life Raft ..............................................................................................................................................
Day Price ......................................................................................................................................[3]
(b) State a validation check that you can perform on each of these fields. Each validation check
must be different.
Boat Name .........................................................................................................................................
Model .................................................................................................................................................
Number of Seats ................................................................................................................................
Day Price ......................................................................................................................................[4]

(c) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select and show the Boat Name, Model and Day
Price of a day’s hire for all boats with 4 seats and an Engine Power of more than 100 hp.
14.14 Summer 2016 P21 &P23
6 A database, STAFFPHONE, was set up to show the telephone extension numbers for members
of staff working in a department store.
Name Department Extension number
Jane Smith Toys 129
Sue Wong Books 124
David Chow Toys 129
Amy Tang Household 123
Joe Higgs Books 124
Jane Smith Shoes 125
Adel Abur Shoes 125
Peter Patel Toys 129

(a) Explain why none of the fields in the database can be used as a primary key.
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) State a field that could be added as a primary key.
...........................................................................................................................................................
Give a reason for choosing this field.
............................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................... [2]
(c) Use the query-by-example grid below to provide a list of all members of staff, in alphabetical
order, grouped by department. [5]
14.15 Summer 2016 P22
7 A database, SOFASELECT, was set up to show the prices of suites, sofas and chairs for sale from an
online furniture warehouse. Part of the database is shown below.

(a) How many fields are in each record?

......................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) State which field you would choose for the primary key.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
Give a reason for choosing this field.
...........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) State the data type you would choose for each of the following fields.
Number of Seats ..............................................................................................................
Price in $ ......................................................................................................................[2]
(d) The query-by-example grid below selects all the furniture in cream leather.

Show the output from the query-by-example.

............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................[3]
(e) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select and show the brochure number, material,
colour and price of all the furniture with 3 or more seats.

14.16 Winter 2016 P21-23

6 A database, THEATRETOURS, was set up to show the tour dates, towns, number of seats and
prices in local currency for a Shakespeare play.
Price Local
Town Tour Date Number of Seats
Currency
Wigan 18/08/2016 120 15.00
Dumfries 20/08/2016 160 12.50
Turin 25/08/2016 200 17.00
Macon 27/08/2016 75 18.00
Bordeaux 29/08/2016 170 20.00
Algiers 01/09/2016 125 1350.00
Windhoek 05/09/2016 65 90.00
Windhoek 06/09/2016 65 90.00
Port Elizabeth 10/09/2016 200 110.00
(a) Explain why none of the fields in the database can be used as a primary key.
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) State a field that could be added as a primary key.......................................................................
Give a reason for choosing this
field......................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................[2]
(c) Use the query-by-example grid below to provide a list of tour dates and seat prices in
alphabetical order of town. [4]

Field
Table
Sort
Show:
Criteria
or

14.17 Winter 2016 P22

5 A database, PLAYPRODUCTION, was set up to show the performance dates, prices and
number of seats available at a theatre specialising in Shakespeare productions.
Performanc Number Number Price Price
Play e Seats Seats Stalls Circle
Date Stalls Circle Seats $ Seats $
As You Like It 01/07/2016 120 90 20.00 30.00
As You Like It 02/07/2016 85 45 30.00 40.00
As You Like It 09/07/2016 31 4 30.00 40.00
Macbeth 14/07/2016 101 56 25.00 35.00
Macbeth 15/07/2016 50 34 25.00 35.00
Macbeth 16/07/2016 12 5 35.00 50.00
Julius Caesar 22/07/2016 67 111 20.00 20.00
Julius Caesar 23/07/2016 21 24 15.00 15.00
A Comedy of
30/07/2016 45 36 35.00 45.00
Errors

(a) Give the number of fields that are in each record.

.............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) State the data type you would choose for each of the following fields.
Play ..........................................................................................................................................
Number Seats Stalls ...............................................................................................................
Price Stalls Seats $ ............................................................................................................ [3]

(c) The query-by-example grid below selects all the productions with more than 100 seats left in
either the stalls or the circle.

Show what would be output from the query-by-example.

...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(d) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select all the productions with at least six seats
left in the circle and show the Play, Performance Date and Price Circle Seats $ in Performance
Date order. [5]
14.18 March 2017 P21 (India)
6 A database table, DEVICE, has been set up to record the electronic equipment used in a small
business.
Device Device Purchase Purchase
User Portable
ID Type Date Price ($)
3 Desktop Alan Swales 14/02/2017 1350.00 N
4 Laptop Chantel Law 01/02/2016 1460.00 Y
5 Tablet Abdula Saud 31/12/2016 1000.00 Y
6 Desktop Abdula Saud 14/03/2017 1000.00 N
7 Laptop Alan Swales 15/03/2016 1700.00 Y
8 Tablet TaonaJaji 16/12/2016 470.00 Y
(a) The query-by-example grid below selects certain records.

Show what would be the output from the query-by-example.

...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Complete the query-by-example grid below to select all Desktop devices that were either
purchased before 31/12/2016 or cost under $1000. Only show the Device ID and DeviceType.
14.19 Summer 2017 P21
7 A television (TV) store has a database table, TVSTOCK, for its new range of televisions. The
table stores the screen size of each TV, whether it will show 3D, whether the screen is curved or
flat, if the internet is available on the TV, if it has a built-in hard disk drive and the price. Part of the
database table is shown below.

TVID ScreenSize 3D CurvedFlat Internet HDD Price

TV80CVINT 80 YES CV YES YES $7,000.00
TV65CVINT 65 YES CV YES YES $5,000.00
TV60CVINT 60 YES CV YES YES $4,500.00
TV60FTINT 60 YES FT YES YES $4,000.00
TV55CVINT 55 YES CV YES NO $3,000.00
TV55FTINT 55 YES FT YES NO $3,500.00
TV55FTNIN 55 YES FT NO NO $3,000.00
TV50CVINT 50 YES CV YES NO $2,500.00
TV50FTINT 50 YES FT YES NO $2,000.00
TV50FTNIN 50 YES FT NO NO $1,750.00
TV42FTINT 42 YES FT YES NO $1,500.00
TV37FTINT 37 NO FT YES NO $1,200.00
TV20FTNIN 20 NO FT NO NO $800.00
TV15FTNIN 15 NO FT NO NO $400.00
(a) State the type of the field TVID and give a reason for your choice.
............................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) Complete the table with the most appropriate data type for each field. [3]
Field name Data type
ScreenSize
3D
CurvedFlat
Internet
HDD
Price
(c) Use the query-by-example grid below to provide a list of all of the curved screen TVs that have
a built-in hard disk drive. Make sure the list only displays the TVID, the price and the screen size in
ascending order of price. [5]
14.20Summer 2017 P22

5 A database table, SHEEP, is used to keep a record of the sheep on a farm. Each sheep has a
unique ear tag, EARnnnn; n is a single digit. The farmer keeps a record of the date of birth, the
gender and the current weight of each sheep in kilograms.
(a) Identify the four fields required for the database. Give each field a suitable name and data
type. Provide a sample of data that you could expect to see in the field. [8]
Field 1 name.......................................................................................................................................
Data type ............................................................................................................................................
Data sample .......................................................................................................................................
Field 2 name........................................................................................................................................
Data type ............................................................................................................................................
Data sample .......................................................................................................................................
Field 3 name........................................................................................................................................
Data type ............................................................................................................................................
Data sample .......................................................................................................................................
Field 4 name.......................................................................................................................................
Data type ...........................................................................................................................................
Data sample .....................................................................................................................................

(b) State the field that you would choose as the primary key.
......................................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) Using the query-by-example grid below, write a query to identify the ear tags of all male sheep
weighing over 10 kilograms. Only display the ear tags. [3]
14.21 Winter 2017 P21
6 A wildlife park has a database table, called LIVESTOCK, to classify and record its animal
species. Part of the database table is shown.
Species Classification Diet Legs
Giraffe Mammal Herbivore 4
Elephant Mammal Herbivore 4
Crocodile Reptile Carnivore 4
Ostrich Bird Omnivore 2
Gorilla Mammal Herbivore 2
Bear Mammal Omnivore 4
Rhinoceros Mammal Herbivore 4
Hippopotamus Mammal Herbivore 4
Flamingo Bird Omnivore 2
Lion Mammal Carnivore 4
Turtle Reptile Omnivore 4
Penguin Bird Carnivore 2

(a) Suggest another appropriate field that could be added to this database by stating its name and
data type. State its purpose and give an example of the data it could contain.
Field name ................................................................................................................................
Data Type .................................................................................................................................
Purpose ....................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Example of data ...................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Use the query-by-example grid below to provide a list of all four legged mammals that are
herbivores, sorted alphabetically by species, with only the species displayed.

14.22 Winter 2017 P22

6 A database table, TRAIN, is to be set up for a railway company to keep a record of the engines
available for use. Each engine has a unique number made up of 5 digits, nnnnn. The engines are
classified as freight (F) or passenger (P) together with a power classification that is a whole
number between 0 and 9, for example F8. The railway company keeps a record of the date of the
last service for each engine.
(a) Identify the three fields required for the database. Give each field a suitable name and data
type. Provide a sample of data that you could expect to see in the field.
Field 1 Name ............................................................................................................................
Data type ..................................................................................................................................
Data sample .............................................................................................................................
Field 2 Name ............................................................................................................................
Data type ..................................................................................................................................
Data sample .............................................................................................................................
Field 3 Name ............................................................................................................................
Data type ..................................................................................................................................
Data sample .........................................................................................................................[6]
(b) State the field that you should choose as the primary key.

...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(c) Using the query-by-example grid below, write a query to identify all passenger engines that
have not been serviced in the past 12 months. Only display the engine numbers. [3]
14.23 March 2018 P22 (India)
6 A database table, JEWEL, is used to keep a record of jewellery for sale in a shop. Each item of
jewellery can be made of silver, platinum or gold metal. The shop stocks rings, bracelets and
necklaces. The number in stock and the price is also stored.
(a) Identify the four fields required for the database. Give each field a suitable name and data
type. Explain why you chose the data type for each field.

Field 1 Name .................................................... Data type .....................................................

Explanation ............................................................................................................................... .
..................................................................................................................................................
Field 2 Name .................................................... Data type .....................................................
Explanation ............................................................................................................................... .
..................................................................................................................................................
Field 3 Name .................................................... Data type .....................................................
Explanation ............................................................................................................................... .
..................................................................................................................................................
Field 4 Name .................................................... Data type .....................................................
Explanation ............................................................................................................................... .
..............................................................................................................................................[8] (
b) Explain why none of these fields could be used as a primary key.
................................................................................................................................................... .
..............................................................................................................................................[1] (
c) Using the query-by-example grid below, write a query to identify the silver bracelets. Only di
splay the number in stock and the price.

Comments on Question 6
(a) Nearly all candidates identified some appropriate fields and could also provide a suitable data
type and explanation. Many candidates provided excellent answers worth full marks.
(b) Nearly all candidates gave a correct explanation as to why none of the fields were suitable use
as a primary key.
(c) Nearly all candidates correctly identified the fields required in the query-by-example grid. Most
candidates correctly identified which fields to show. Many candidates provided suitable criteria
to identify that only details of silver bracelets were required.

14.24Summer 2018 P21

6 A database table, PERFORMANCE, is used to keep a record of the performances at a local
theatre.

Show Sold
Type Title Date
Number Out
SN091 Comedy An Evening at Home 01 Sept Yes
SN102 Drama Old Places 02 Oct No
SN113 Jazz Acoustic Evening 03 Nov No
SN124 Classical Mozart Evening 04 Dec Yes
SN021 Classical Bach Favourites 01 Feb Yes
SN032 Jazz 30 Years of Jazz 02 Mar Yes
SN043 Comedy Street Night 03 Apr No
SN054 Comedy Hoot 04 May No

(a) State the number of fields and records in the table.

Fields ........................................................................................................................................
Records .................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Give two validation checks that could be performed on the Show Number field.
Validation check 1 .....................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
Validation check 2 .....................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................... [2]

(c) Using the query-by-example grid, write a query to identify jazz performances that are not sold
out. Only display the date and the title. [4]
14.25Summer 2018 P21
6 A database table, TREES, is used to keep a record of the trees in a park. Each tree is given a
unique number and is examined to see if it is at risk of dying. There are over 900 trees; part of the
database table is shown.

Tree
Type Map Position Age in Years At Risk
Number
TN091 Acacia A7 250 Y
TN172 Olive C5 110 N
TN913 Cedar B9 8 N
TN824 Banyan A3 50 Y
TN021 Pine D5 560 Y
TN532 Teak C8 76 Y
TN043 Yew B1 340 N
TN354 Spruce D4 65 N
TN731 Elm B10 22 Y
TN869 Oak C9 13 N
TN954 Pine 3 N
(a) State the number of fields in the table.
...............................................................................................................................................[1]
(b) The tree numbering system uses TN followed by three digits. The numbering system will not
work if there are over 1000 trees.
Describe, with the aid of an example, how you could change the tree numbering system to allow
for over 1000 trees. Existing tree numbers must not be changed.
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................[2]
(c) Using the query-by-example grid, write a query to identify at risk trees over 100 years old.
Display only the type and the position on the map. [4]
14.26 Winter 2018 P21
6 A database table, PORTRAIT, is used to keep a record of the portraits available from a
photographic studio. Each portrait has a unique reference number PICnnn, where n is a single
digit, for examplePIC123. The studio keeps a record of the size (for example 20 × 15), the type
(black and white or colour), and the price in dollars.
(a) Complete the table to show the most appropriate data type for each of the fields.[4]
Field Data type
Reference Number
Size
Type
Price in $
(b) The results from the query-by-example grid should show the reference number, price, type
and size of all portraits under $50. Identify the three errors in the query-by-example grid.

Field: Reference No Price in $ Type Size

Table: PORTRAIT PORTRAIT PORTRAIT PORTRAIT
Sort:
Show:

Criteria: >50.00
or:
Error 1 ...............................................................................................................................................
…………..............................................................................................................................................
Error 2 ................................................................................................................................................
………….............................................................................................................................................
Error 3 ...............................................................................................................................................
…..................................................................................................................................................[3]
14.27 Winter 2018 P23
6 An online fruit tree specialist sells fruit trees in various sizes. A database table, TREETAB,
shows the tree type and, for each size, the price and whether they are in stock.

Tree Type Size1 Size1 In Size2 Size2 In Size3 Size3 In

Apple 10.95 Yes 14.95 Yes 29.95 Yes
Apple 12.95 Yes 14.95 Yes 29.95 Yes
Cherry 24.95 No 34.95 No 59.95 Yes
Fig 19.95 Yes 29.95 No 49.95 Yes
Guava 19.95 No 29.95 No 59.95 No
Nectarine 8.50 Yes 11.95 Yes 19.95 Yes
Olive 19.95 No 39.95 Yes 59.95 Yes
Peach 9.25 No 11.95 Yes 19.95 Yes
Pear 10.95 Yes 14.95 Yes 29.95 Yes
Plum 8.95 Yes 11.95 Yes 19.95 Yes
Pomegranate 12.95 No 18.95 Yes 34.95 No
Quince 34.95 Yes 44.95 Yes 84.95 No
(a) State whether any of the fields shown would be suitable as a primary key.
............................................................................................................................................................
Explain your answer
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................[2]
(b) Complete the table to show the most appropriate data type for each of the fields based on the
data shown in the table at the start of question 6. [3]
Field Data type
Tree Type
Size3
Size2 In
(a) Show the output that would be given by this query-by-example.
Field: Tree Type Size 1 Size 1 In
Table: TREETAB TREETAB TREETAB
Sort: Descending
Show:

Criteria: <10.00
or:

............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................[4]
(d) Using the following query-by-example grid, write a query to identify all types of the fruit trees
that are out of stock for all three sizes. Make sure the type of the tree and the various ‘in stock’
fields are shown. The trees should be listed in alphabetical order by type.
Field:
Table:
Sort:
Show:

Criteria:
or:
14.28 March 2019 P22
6 A database table, BIKETYRES, is used to keep a record of tyres for sale in a cycle shop.
Tyres are categorised by width and diameter in milimetres, whether they have an inner tube and
the type of terrain for which they are designed.
Tyre Code Width Diameter Tube Terrain Stock Level
SLTT 23 700 YES Asphalt 18
MLNT 24 700 NO Asphalt 23
LLNT 28 700 NO Asphalt 19
SLTM 23 700 YES Mixed 22
MLTM 24 700 YES Mixed 14
LLTM 28 700 YES Mixed 12
SLTH 23 700 YES Hard 10
MLTH 24 700 YES Hard 5
LLNH 28 700 NO Hard 7
SLNM 23 700 NO Mixed 12
MLNM 24 700 NO Mixed 22
LLNM 28 700 NO Mixed 18
SSNT 23 650 NO Asphalt 10
MSNT 24 650 NO Asphalt 8
SSTM 23 650 YES Mixed 5
MSNM 24 650 NO Mixed 4
The query-by-example grid below displays the tyre code and the stock level of all 28mm width
tyres suitable for mixed terrain.
Field: Tyre Code Stock Levl Width Terrain
Table: BYKETYRES BYKETYRES BYKETYRES BYKETYRES
Sort:
Show:

Criteria: =28 =’Mixed’

or:

Alter the query to show the tyre code and stock level in ascending order of stock level for all
24mm asphalt terrain tyres. Write the new query in the following query-by-example grid.
Field:
Table:
Sort:
Show:

Criteria:
or:
14.29 Summer 2019 P21
5 The table, BEVERAGES, shows the number of calories in 100ml of a range of popular
beverages. It also shows the availability of these drinks in a can, a small bottle and a large bottle.
Calorie Ca Small Large
BevNo BevName
s n Bottle Bottle
Bev01 Cola 40 Yes Yes Yes
Bev02 Lime 45 Yes No Yes
Bev03 Energy Drink 1 52 Yes Yes No
Bev04 Energy Drink 2 43 Yes No No
Bev05 Mango 47 Yes No Yes
Bev06 Lemon Iced Tea 38 Ye No Yes
Bev07 Lemonade 58 Yes Yes Yes
Bev08 Orange Juice 46 Yes Yes No
Bev12 Apple Juice 50 Yes Yes No
Bev15 Chocolate Milk 83 Yes Yes No
(a) Give a reason for choosing BevNo as the primary key for this table.
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) State the number of records shown in the table BEVERAGES.
............................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) List the output that would be given by this query-by-example.

Field: BevNo BevName Can Small Bottle Large Bottle

Table: BEVERAGES BEVERAGES BEVERAGES BEVERAGES BEVERAGES
Sort: Descending
Show:

Criteria: = "Yes" = "Yes" = "Yes"

or:

...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................. [3]
(d) Complete the query-by-example grid to output a list showing just the names and primary keys
of all the beverages with a calorie count greater than 45. The list should be in alphabetical
order of names. [4]
Field:
Table:
Sort:
Show:

Criteria:
or:
14.30 Summer 2019 P22
6 A database table, FLIGHT, is used to keep a record of flights from a small airfield. Planes can
carry passengers, freight or both. Some flights are marked as private and only carry passengers.
Departure
Flight number Plane Notes Passengers
time
FN101 Caravan 1 Private passenger flight 08:00 Y
CN101 Caravan 2 Freight only 08:30 N
CN102 Piper 1 Freight only 09:00 N
FN104 Piper 2 Passengers only 09:20 Y
FN105 Piper 1 Freight and passengers 10:00 Y
FN106 Caravan 1 Passengers only 10:30 Y
CN108 Caravan 2 Freight only 08:00 N
CN110 Lear Private passenger flight 08:00 Y
(a) State the field that could have a Boolean data type.
Field .................................................................................................................................... [1]
(b) A query-by-example has been written to display just the flight numbers of all planes leaving
after 10:00 that only carry passengers.
Field: Departure
Flight number Passengers
time
Table: FLIGHT FLIGHT FLIGHT
Sort:
Show:

Criteria: =Y = 10:00
or:

Explain why the query-by-example is incorrect, and write a correct query-by-example. [7]
Explanation .........................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Field:
Table:
Sort:
Show:

Criteria:
or:

Chapter 15