Two real-valued functions on a real vector space

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying non-trivial functions f that satisfy the condition (G) in relation to a fixed utility function U, both defined from \(\mathbb{R}^{n}\) to \(\mathbb{R}\). The condition (G) states that if \(U(x) \geq U(y)\), then \(f(x) \geq f(y)\). It is established that a continuous function f can fulfill (G) without being equivalent to U or a constant function, provided that if f is differentiable, the product \(f'(x)U'(x)\) remains non-negative. Additionally, f must be less discriminating than U, meaning there exist distinct points x and y where \(f(x) = f(y)\) while \(U(x) > U(y)\).

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  • Knowledge of differentiability and continuity in mathematical functions
  • Familiarity with set theory and Debreu's theorem
  • Basic concepts of real vector spaces
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noowutah
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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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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?
 
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.
 
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