Fuzzy number division and the multi-granularity phenomenon

The paper presents difficulties connected with fuzzy and interval division. If operations such as fuzzy addition, subtraction and multiplication provide as a result one compact, multidimensional granule, then a result of the fuzzy division can consists of few separated granules. Such results are more difficult to use in next calculations. The paper shows that the number of solution granules can be higher than 2 and that in certain problems division does not occur explicitly. In certain problems, separation of particular solution granules can be considerable. The paper also shows how to realize the fuzzy division when its denominator contains zero. Most types of fuzzy arithmetics forbid such operation. However, the paper shows that it is possible. Multidimensional fuzzy RDM arithmetic and horizontal membership functions which facilitate detecting of solution granules are also described. The considered problems are visualized by examples.

Fuzzy Number Addition with the Application of Horizontal Membership Functions

The paper presents addition of fuzzy numbers realised with the application of the multidimensional RDM arithmetic and horizontal membership functions (MFs). Fuzzy arithmetic (FA) is a very difficult task because operations should be performed here on multidimensional information granules. Instead, a lot of FA methods useα-cuts in connection with 1-dimensional classical interval arithmetic that operates not on multidimensional granules but on 1-dimensional intervals. Such approach causes difficulties in calculations and is a reason for arithmetical paradoxes. The multidimensional approach allows for removing drawbacks and weaknesses of FA. It is possible thanks to the application of horizontal membership functions which considerably facilitate calculations because now uncertain values can be inserted directly into equations without using the extension principle. The paper shows how the addition operation can be realised on independent fuzzy numbers and on partly or fully dependent fuzzy numbers with taking into account the order relation and how to solve equations, which can be a difficult task for 1-dimensional FAs.