On improving trapezoidal and triangular approximations of fuzzy numbers

AbstractRecently, various researchers have proved that the approximations of fuzzy numbers may fail to be fuzzy numbers, such as the trapezoidal approximations of fuzzy numbers. In this paper, we show by an example that the weighted triangular approximation of fuzzy numbers, proposed by Zeng and Li, may lead to the same result. For filling the gap, improvements of trapezoidal and triangular approximations are proposed. The formulas for computing the two improved approximations are provided. Some properties of the two improved approximations are also proved

A new approach for trapezoidal approximation of fuzzy numbers using WABL distance

In this paper, we present a new approach to obtain trapezoidal approximation of fuzzy numbers with respect to weighted distance proposed by Nasibov [5] which the main property of this metric is flexibility in the decision maker's choice. Also, we prove some properties of the proposed method such as translation invariance, scale invariance and identity. Finally, we illustrate the efficiency of proposed method by solving some numerical examples

Approximation of fuzzy numbers by convolution method

In this paper we consider how to use the convolution method to construct approximations, which consist of fuzzy numbers sequences with good properties, for a general fuzzy number. It shows that this convolution method can generate differentiable approximations in finite steps for fuzzy numbers which have finite non-differentiable points. In the previous work, this convolution method only can be used to construct differentiable approximations for continuous fuzzy numbers whose possible non-differentiable points are the two endpoints of 1-cut. The constructing of smoothers is a key step in the construction process of approximations. It further points out that, if appropriately choose the smoothers, then one can use the convolution method to provide approximations which are differentiable, Lipschitz and preserve the core at the same time.Comment: Submitted to Fuzzy Sets and System at Sep 18 201

Algorithm of arithmetical operations with fuzzy numerical data

In this article the theoretical generalization for representation of arithmetic operations with fuzzy numbers is considered. Fuzzy numbers are generalized by means of fuzzy measures. On the basis of this generalization the new algorithm of fuzzy arithmetic which uses a principle of entropy maximum is created. As example, the summation of two fuzzy numbers is considered. The algorithm is realized in the software "Fuzzy for Microsoft Excel".fuzzy measure (Sugeno), fuzzy integral (Sugeno), fuzzy numbers; arithmetical operations; principle of entropy maximum

Trapezoidal operator preserving the expected interval and the support of fuzzy numbers

The problem to find the trapezoidal fuzzy number which preserves the expected interval and the support of a given fuzzy number is discussed. Properties of this new trapezoidal approximation operator are studied

Life settlement pricing with fuzzy parameters

Existing literature asserts that the growth of life settlement (LS) markets, where they exist, is hampered by limited policyholder participation and suggests that to foster this growth appropriate pricing of LS transactions is crucial. The pricing of LSs relies on quantifying two key variables: the insured's mortality multiplier and the internal rate of return (IRR). However, the available information on these parameters is often scarce and vague. To address this issue, this article proposes a novel framework that models these variables using triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). This modelling approach aligns with how mortality multiplier and IRR data are typically provided in insurance markets and has the advantage of offering a natural interpretation for practitioners. When both the mortality multiplier and the IRR are represented as TFNs, the resulting LS price becomes a FN that no longer retains the triangular shape. Therefore, the paper introduces three alternative triangular approximations to simplify computations and enhance interpretation of the price. Additionally, six criteria are proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of each approximation method. These criteria go beyond the typical approach of assessing the approximation quality to the FN itself. They also consider the usability and comprehensibility for financial analysts with no prior knowledge of FNs. In summary, the framework presented in this paper represents a significant advancement in LS pricing. By incorporating TFNs, offering several triangular approximations and proposing goodness criteria of them, it addresses the challenges posed by limited and vague data, while also considering the practical needs of industry practitioners

Defuzzification of groups of fuzzy numbers using data envelopment analysis

Defuzzification is a critical process in the implementation of fuzzy systems that converts fuzzy numbers to crisp representations. Few researchers have focused on cases where the crisp outputs must satisfy a set of relationships dictated in the original crisp data. This phenomenon indicates that these crisp outputs are mathematically dependent on one another. Furthermore, these fuzzy numbers may exist as a group of fuzzy numbers. Therefore, the primary aim of this thesis is to develop a method to defuzzify groups of fuzzy numbers based on Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (CCR)-Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model by modifying the Center of Gravity (COG) method as the objective function. The constraints represent the relationships and some additional restrictions on the allowable crisp outputs with their dependency property. This leads to the creation of crisp values with preserved relationships and/or properties as in the original crisp data. Comparing with Linear Programming (LP) based model, the proposed CCR-DEA model is more efficient, and also able to defuzzify non-linear fuzzy numbers with accurate solutions. Moreover, the crisp outputs obtained by the proposed method are the nearest points to the fuzzy numbers in case of crisp independent outputs, and best nearest points to the fuzzy numbers in case of dependent crisp outputs. As a conclusion, the proposed CCR-DEA defuzzification method can create either dependent crisp outputs with preserved relationship or independent crisp outputs without any relationship. Besides, the proposed method is a general method to defuzzify groups or individuals fuzzy numbers under the assumption of convexity with linear and non-linear membership functions or relationships