Derived attributes Attributes whose values are based on the values of other attributes are known as derived attributes (see Section 11.3.3). Examples of derived attributes include: n the age of a member of staff; n the number of properties that a member of staff manages; n the rental deposit (calculated as twice the monthly rent). Often, these attributes are not represented in the conceptual data model. However, some- times the value of the attribute or attributes on which the derived attribute is based may be deleted or modified. In this case, the derived attribute must be shown in the data model to avoid this potential loss of information. However, if a derived attribute is shown in the model, we must indicate that it is derived. The representation of derived attributes will be considered during physical database design. Depending on how an attribute is used, new values for a derived attribute may be calculated each time it is accessed or when the value(s) it is derived from changes. However, this issue is not the concern of conceptual database design, and is discussed in more detail in Step 3.2 in Chapter 17.