Insertion of a continuous function between two comparable \(\alpha \)-continuous (\(C\)-continuous) functions (Q712281)

The main result: Let \(g\) and \(f\) be real-valued functions on a topological space \(X\) with \(f\leq g\). Suppose there exists a strong binary relation \(\varrho\) on the power set of \(X\) and, for each rational number \(t\), there are lower indefinite cut sets \(A(f,t)\) and \(A(g,t)\) such that \(A(f,t_1)\varrho A(g,t_2)\) whenever \(t_1<t_2\). Then there exists a continuous function \(h\) defined on \(X\) with \(g\leq h\leq f\). This theorem generalizes a result of \textit{M. Katětov} [Fundam. Math. 38, 85--91 (1951; Zbl 0045.25704), correction: ibid. 40, 203--205 (1953; Zbl 0053.12304)]. The concept of an indefinite lower cut set for a real-valued function is due to \textit{F. Brooks} [Am. Math. Mon. 78, 1007--1010 (1971; Zbl 0224.26003)]. The second part of the paper contains some applications of the main result to weakly continuous functions (in a different sense).