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FC0-U71 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. The query returns two rows. If the database had an index on the Department column only, how would the query execution be affected?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that an index changes the query result set (rows returned) rather than just the execution speed, leading candidates to incorrectly choose options B or C.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The query would run faster because the index reduces the number of rows to scan for Department.
An index on the Department column allows the database engine to quickly locate rows matching the Department condition without scanning the entire table. This reduces the number of rows that need to be evaluated for the Salary condition, speeding up the query. The index does not affect the result set—it only improves access path efficiency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The query would run faster because the index reduces the number of rows to scan for Department.
Why this is correct
The index narrows down to IT rows quickly, then filters on Salary, improving performance.
- ✗
The query would return fewer rows because the index excludes the Salary condition.
Why it's wrong here
The index does not change the logic; the WHERE clause still filters both conditions.
- ✗
The query would return more rows because the index includes both columns.
Why it's wrong here
An index on Department alone does not include Salary; the result set is unchanged.
- ✗
The query would fail because the index conflicts with the SELECT *.
Why it's wrong here
Indexes do not cause failures; they are designed to optimize queries.
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