On the compatibility between defuzzification and fuzzy arithmetic operations (Q698769)

The paper deals with relationships between the results of defuzzification (conversion from fuzzy sets to numbers) and the arithmetic of fuzzy numbers. A number of defuzzification methods (both vertical and horizontal) are studied. The main result reveals that the method based on averaging level sets (\(\alpha\)-cuts) induces some invariance properties. More specifically, the results of defuzzification are invariant under linear transformation. This implies that there is no need to carry out computing with the extension principle, but one can rely on the defuzzified values of the fuzzy numbers only. The results are then examined for an extension principle realized by means of t-norms, especially those located between the Łukasiewicz and min operations.