Which of the following best describes a collection of formally described tables?

The best description of a collection of formally described tables is a database schema. A database schema is a blueprint or architecture of how data is organized within a database. It defines the structure, including the tables, the fields, the relationships between the tables, and the constraints on the data. Essentially, the schema provides a model of how data is stored, accessed, and related to one another, making it a crucial part of database design.

While the term "relational database" refers to a type of database that organizes data into tables (or relations) and allows for relationships between those tables, it does not specifically denote the formal description of the tables themselves. Similarly, a data warehouse is a system used for reporting and data analysis, often containing historical data gathered from multiple sources rather than being a formal description of tables. An information system encompasses a broader range of components, including people, technology, and processes, which support data management and decision-making but does not focus specifically on the structured definition of tables.

The choice of database schema accurately captures the idea of a collection of tables that are formally structured and defined in a way that describes how the data is organized and related within the database.