Two real-valued functions on a real vector space

In summary, the conversation discusses a fixed function U and a function f from \mathbb{R}^{n}\rightarrow\mathbb{R}, for which condition (G) states that U(x)\geq{}U(y) implies f(x)\geq{}f(y). It is mentioned that f=U and f=x_{0} fulfill (G) trivially and the question is posed as to which f fulfills (G) non-trivially. The discussion also touches on the possibility of additional assumptions, such as continuity, to claim that there is no non-trivial fulfillment of (G). The conversation concludes with a clarification that f must be less discriminating than U and a suggestion that a continuous f can fulfill
  • #1
noowutah
57
3
I have a fixed function [itex]U[/itex] and a function [itex]f[/itex]
that I want to know something about, both from
[itex]\mathbb{R}^{n}\rightarrow\mathbb{R}[/itex], for which I know
condition (G) that [itex]U(x)\geq{}U(y)[/itex] implies
[itex]f(x)\geq{}f(y)[/itex]. [itex]f=U[/itex] and [itex]f=x_{0}[/itex]
for any [itex]x_{0}\in{}\mathbb{R}[/itex] trivially fulfill (G). Which
[itex]f[/itex] fulfills (G) non-trivially? Are there additional
assumptions (continuity for example) which would allow me to claim
that there is no [itex]f[/itex] that non-trivially fulfills (G)?

This question will help me solve a set-theoretic puzzle based on
Debreu's theorem -- that's why I've put the thread in this category.
[itex]U[/itex] stands for the utility function, [itex]f[/itex] for a less discriminating
utility function that is not trivially [itex]f=U[/itex] or constant.
 
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  • #2
stlukits said:
Which [itex]f[/itex] fulfills (G) non-trivially?

I think we need a definition of "non-trivially". Is [itex] f(x) = 3 U(x) + 6 [/itex] a trivial or non-trivial fullfillment?
 
  • #3
Sorry, yes, I left out something important. I need [itex]f[/itex] to
be LESS discriminating than [itex]U[/itex]. So, I want
[itex]\exists{}x,y\in\mathbb{R}^{n}[/itex] with [itex]x\neq{}y[/itex]
and [itex]f(x)=f(y)[/itex], whereas [itex]U(x)>U(y)[/itex].

I think I've answered my own question. Yes, there is a continuous
[itex]f[/itex] (given a continuous [itex]U[/itex]) which fulfills (G)
is neither [itex]U[/itex] nor constant. The only constraint is that,
if the functions are differentiable, [itex]f'(x)U'(x)[/itex] is
non-negative. For my less-discriminating condition, the function must
be zero somewhere where [itex]U[/itex] is monotonically increasing.

Thanks, I think I can take it from here.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is a real-valued function?

A real-valued function is a mathematical function that takes in one or more real numbers as inputs and returns a real number as an output. It can be represented as an equation, graph, or table.

2. What is a real vector space?

A real vector space is a set of objects called vectors that can be added together and multiplied by real numbers. It must fulfill certain properties, such as closure, associativity, and distributivity, to be considered a vector space.

3. How are real-valued functions defined on a real vector space?

Real-valued functions on a real vector space are defined by mapping each vector in the vector space to a real number. This can be represented as f: V → R, where V is the vector space and R is the set of real numbers.

4. What is the difference between a real-valued function and a vector in a real vector space?

A real-valued function is a mapping from a vector space to real numbers, while a vector in a real vector space is an element within the vector space that has both magnitude and direction. In other words, a real-valued function operates on vectors to produce real numbers, while a vector is a mathematical object within the vector space.

5. What are some examples of real-valued functions on a real vector space?

Examples of real-valued functions on a real vector space include linear transformations, quadratic functions, trigonometric functions, and exponential functions. These functions take in vectors and output real numbers based on their respective equations and inputs.

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