Superadditive function property

In summary, a superadditive function has the property that for any superadditive function g on XxY, the function f(x) = min { y' : y' = argmin g(x,y) } is nonincreasing in x. This is proven by showing that for x2 >= x1, f(x2) <= f(x1) for all y2 >= f(x1).
  • #1
jetoso
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Homework Statement


Show that a superadditive function has the following property:
For any superadditive function g on XxY (cartesian product):
f(x) = min { y' : y' = argmin g(x,y) }
is nonincreasing in x.


Homework Equations


if g(x,y) is a superadditive on XxY, x in X, y in Y, x1 >= x2, y1 >= y2, then it satisfies the inequality:

g(x1,y1) + g(x2,y2) >= g(x1,y2) + g(x2,y1)


The Attempt at a Solution


Let f(x1) = y', and suppose there is an x2 <= x1 such that f(x2) = y' then, g(x2,y1) - g(x2,y1) <= g(x2,y2) - g(x1,y2).

I am trying to find a contradiction, so that f is increasing in x for x2.
 
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  • #2
Nevermind

I think I solved this problem.
Let x2 >= x1, and take y2 >= f(x1) = y'. Then, from the definition of f, we have:
g(x1,f(x1)) - f(x1,y2) <= 0.

Since g is superadditive is satisfies:
g(x2,y2) + g(x1,f(x1)) >= g(x2,f(x1)) + g(x1,y2)

From the first inequality above we get:
g(x2,f(x1)) <= [g(x1,f(x1))-g(x1,y2)] + g(x2,y2) <= 0 + g(x2,y2) = g(x2,y2)

So, we have that:
g(x2,f(x1)) <= g(x2,y2)
for all y2 >= f(x1). Thus, f(x2)<=f(x1) which is nonincreasing in x.
 

What is the Superadditive Function Property?

The superadditive function property is a mathematical concept that describes a function where the sum of the output for two inputs is always greater than the individual outputs for each input separately.

How is the Superadditive Function Property different from the Additive Function Property?

The additive function property states that the sum of the outputs for two inputs is equal to the individual outputs for each input separately, while the superadditive function property states that the sum of the outputs is greater than the individual outputs.

What are some real-life examples of Superadditive Functions?

Some examples of superadditive functions in real life include economies of scale, where the production cost per unit decreases as the quantity produced increases, and teamwork, where the output of a group is greater than the sum of individual outputs.

How is the Superadditive Function Property used in economics?

In economics, the superadditive function property is used to describe situations where the total value of a group or system is greater than the sum of its parts. This can help explain the benefits of cooperation and collaboration in economic systems.

What are some applications of the Superadditive Function Property in other fields?

The superadditive function property has applications in various fields such as game theory, operations research, and computer science. It is used to analyze decision-making processes, resource allocation, and optimization problems.

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