The free \(n\)-generated BL-algebra (Q636351)

In this paper the authors present a functional representation of finitely generated free BL-algebras. From [\textit{P. Aglianò} and \textit{F. Montagna}, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 181, No. 2--3, 105--129 (2003; Zbl 1034.06009)] it follows that the \(n\)-free generated BL-algebra can be represented as a BL-algebra of maps from \([0,n+1]^n\) into \([0,n+1]\). In the present paper the authors prove that a map represents an \(n\)-variable BL-term if and only if it admits a special decomposition into a finite family of Wasjberg functions of \(n\)-variables (see [\textit{P. Aglianò} and \textit{G. Panti}, J. Algebra 256, No. 2, 352--374 (2002; Zbl 1025.06014)]), called encodings (Definition 8). When \(n=1\), the results in this paper encompass the ones obtained in [\textit{F. Montagna}, ``The free BL-algebra in one generator'', Neural Network World 5, 837--844 (2000)].