BASIC CONCEPTS ON

FUZZY SETS

2.1. INTRODUCTION
The capability of fuzzy sets to express gradual transitions from membership to non-membership
and vice-versa has broad utility. It provides us not only with a
a
meaningful and powerful
representation of measurement uncertainties, but also with a meaningful representation of vague
concepts expressed in natural language. In fact, accurately expression of the basic concept of the
fuzzy set, a concept that is both simple and pleasing and that forms, in essence, a generalization
of the classical or crisp set. The crisp set is defined in such a way as to binary classification the
individuals in some given universal set into two groups: members (those that certainly belong
in the set) and non-members (those that certainly do not).
A fuzzy set can be defined mathematically by assigning to each possible individual in the
universal set a value representing its grade of membership in the fuzzy set. This grade corresponds
to the degree to which that individual is similar or
compatible with the the concept represented by
fuzzy set. Thus, individuals may belong in the fuzzy set to a greater or lesser degree as indicated
by a larger or smaller membership grade. These membership grades are represented by real number
values ranging in the closed interval between zero and one.

Fuzzy sets were introduced by Lotfi Asker Zadeh [196S] as an extension of crisp set (classical
set) or non-fuzzy set. A
fuzzy set is a ciass of objects with a continuum of grades of membership.
Such a set is characterized by a
membership (characteristic) function which assigns to each object
a
grade membership ranging between zero and one.
of
In his paper, Zadeh introduced a theory whose
that are not precise. The membership in a
objects-fuzzy sets-are sets with boundaries
fuzzy set is not a matter of affirmation or denial,due
rather matter of degree.
a

2.2. FUZZY SETS

Two distinct notations are mostly used to denote
membership functions.
First notation is defined as:
tion
Let X is a universal set. A fuzzy set A in X is characterized by its membership
 that is
denoted by Hi;
HX10, 1]
in fuzzy setA for each e X.
"membership grade" of clement x
x
is interpreted as the
and H; (x)
defined as:
Second notation is
set. A fuzzy set A in X is defined by a membership function denoted by
Let X is universal
A; that is

A:X->[0, 1].
Acconding to the first notation, the symbol (label, identifier, and name) of the fuzzy set (4)
is distinguished from the symbol of its membership function (H). According to the second
notation, this distinction is not made, but no ambiguity results from this double use of the symbol.
Each fuzzy set is completely and uniquely defined by one particular membership function; therefore,
symbols of membership functions may also be used as labels of the associated fuzzy sets.
DEFINTTION 1: IfX= {x} is a collection of objects denoted generically by x, then a fuzzy
set 4 in X is a set of ordered pairs

A -{H()):xeX}

where H(x) is called the "membership grade" of x in A and each

pairx, ) ) is called a

Singleton.
DEFINITION 2: If X= {x} is a collection of objects denoted
set A in X is a set of ordered pairs
generically by x, then a
fuzzy
A-
{(. 4("):x X} e

where A(r) is called the

"membership grade" of x in A and each pair (x, A(x)) is called a
Singleton. Larger membership grades denote
higher degrees of set membership.
lfX= lz,
z2 x} is a finite set and A is a fuzzy set in X, then we often use the notation
A
A()/% =A(%)/% +A()/x t.. +A(%,)/x,
Wnere the term
set A
A(x;)/x, , i= 1, 2, .., n
signifies that A(x) is the
membership grade of x, in fuzzy
and the plus sign represents the
union.
Fuzzy sets of this
type are used in the literature, be called
Ex. 1. Consider X= {a, b, c, d} and A: X-> I
ordinary fuzzy sets.
and A defined by A(a) 0.0,
(d) 1.0. Then, write A(6) 0.7,
=

A(¢)
= =

fuzzy set A on X.
=

0.4
Sol.
Fuzzy
set A can be written as:

A =

{(a, 00). (b, 0.7). (¢, 0.4). (d, 1.0))

EX. 2. Show the
membership functions, difference
respectively.graphically between the crisp and
fuzzy sets represent
by
 Thetr
20 Fuzzy Set Theory, Fuzzy Logic
and 29 T"***

Sol. A()

representation of crisp set.

Fig. 2.1 (a): Graphical
A()

0.5

Fig. 2.1 (b): Graphical representation of fuzzy set.

2.3. REPRESENTATION METHODS OF FUZZY SET

If elements are discrete, then the fuzzy set A on X can be represented by

() A- {(%, A():x¬ X}
(i) A = {x, A(X)}, this is same as (i) but the domain X is not explicitly specified

(iil) A = 2 A(x,)/x,, in case the domain is finite.

=

Suppose eclements are continuous, then the fuzzy set A on X can be represented by

(v) A
0.5 0.6 0.9

In case the doinain 1s finile and consists OI n elements X, X2, X

(vi) By means
of a graph [Ex. 2
(vii) By the symbol A / 4 t 0z/*2 t... t 0 , / , where
X=, X2 X,and a, = A(x).

The symbol '+' implies not addition but union.

 Ex.3. Let us define a fuzzy set A = {real number near to 0) can be defined and its membership

function is

A)+X
The membership degree of I is 0.5.

The membership degree of' 2 is

0.2
The membership degree of 3 is 0.1.

A()

0.5

-0.2-

Fig. 2.2: Membership function of fuzzy set "real number near to 0".
NOTE: By modifying the above function, it is able to denote membership function of fuzzy
set A =

{real number near to a as

AC)
1+(x - af
EX.4. Another fuzzy set B = {real number very near to 0} can be defined and its membership
function is

ao-
he
membership degree of I is 0.25, that of 2 is 0.04 and that of 3 is 0.01 as shown in Fig. 2.3.

Z.4. EXPANSION OF FUZZY SET

2.4.1. Interval-Valued Fuzzy Set
4y Sets defined by the membership function based on the approach that docs not assign to cach
n t of the universal set one real number, but a closed interval of real numbers between the
d lower and upper bounds, are called interval-valued fuzzy sets. These sets are detined
Dy functions of the form
 A:NE((0.1)
where E(0, 1) denotes the family of all closcd intervals of real numbers in [0, 11.

A()

0.5

0.25-

0.04
To.0L---- -L-
3

Fig. 2.3: Membership function for "real nunmber very near to 0".

2.4.2. Type2 Fuzzy Set

Fuzzy set whose membership function has the form
A:X> F((0, 1])
where ((0. 1), denote the set
of ordinary fuzzy set defined [0, 1).
a
fuzzy
power set of [0, 1.
on
F([O,1) is also called

The value of
membership degree might include uncertainty. If the value of membership
function is given by a fuzzy set, it is a
type-n fuzzy set. type-2 fuzzy set. This concept can be
extended up to
A )

Fig. 2.4: Fuzzy set of

.x. S.
onsider set A
type-2.
Youth", "Manhood" and ="Adult". The
"Senior". membership function of this set
For inslance, for maps whosc
any
person x, y ana 2.
A(x)-"Youth"
A)="Manhood"
A()-
 also luzzy scts, and thus the set
The value of membership for "Youth" and "Manhood" are

"Adult" is a type-2 fuzzy set.

if the valucs of
fuzzy sets. In the same
manner
The sets "Youth" and "Manhood" are type-I
are type-2, the sct
"Adulr" is typc-3.
membership function of "Youth" and "Manhood"
2.4.3 L-Fuzry Set

Fuzzy set whose membership fnction has the from

A:*>L,
sets introduced
where L is a lattice or, at least, a partially ordered set. The concept of Z-fuzzy was

by Goguen [1967].
2.4.4. Fuzry Power Set
denoted
is called the fuzzy power set and is
Let Xbe a domain. The set fuzzy subsets of X
of all

by F). It is also called family of fuzzy sets.

NOTE: I. ) H) is a erisp set

(i) Fx) ={4| A:X-I=[o.1]}

ie. the set of all -valued function of X
{0, 1}. Since
I1. Crisp set on X can be viewed as fuzzy sets. If Ais crisp a set on X to 1, =

1 [0. 1] =I.
Thus, P(X) c HX).
In particular, X and o are fuzzy sets on X.
1 and o (r) =
0, Vx e X.
X() =

be finite, since it contains

finite, then P(X) is also finite. However, F(X)
can never
IIL IfU is
in I.
as many elements as there are numbers
X= ta, b}, P() = 10,[a).b), [a, b]}

A:X>[0, 1]
0.3.
A(©) 0.1, A(a) 0.2, A(6)
= =
=

we obtain fuzzy sets A : X > 1 given by

IV. If X = {a} is a singleton set,
A(a) =
a, Va e / and all such fuzzy sets are in 3(X).

2.4.5. Level-2 Fuzzy Set

AX
1.0

05

Fig. 2.5: Level-2 fuzy set.

 whose membership function has the form
Fuzzy set

A: FX)-> I0, 1].

where F() denote the fuzzy power set of X (the set of all ordinary fuzzy sets of ). The cor
The concept
of fuzzy sets of level k was investigated by Gottward [1979].

2.5. CERTAIN NUMBER ASSOCIATED WITH A FUZZY SET

2.5.1. a-Cut Set of Fuzy Set A
A fuzzy set A is defined on X. The a-cut set, "A is made up of members X whose membersh:
grade is not less than a. ership
A= {xe X, A(x)2 a),
where a e [0, 1.
The a-cut set of a fuzzy set A is the crisp set. The a-cut set is also
(Meerut-2009 BP)
called the a-level set.
A()

C-CUt

Fig. 2.6: An a-cut of a

triangular fuzzy number.
Ex. 6. Leta X= {a, b, c, d} and fuzzy set A
+*++be given. Then, find the
=
a-cut sets for =
0.1, 0.3, 0.8, 1.0.
Sol.'A =

{b}; *A
{a, b};"A {a, b,
=

Consider universal set X which is c};""A {a, b, c, d} X.

=

Ex. 7. a
=

defined on the age domain

X= {5, 15, 25,
35, 45, 55, 65, 75,
Table 2.1: 85
Example of Fuzzy Set
Age (x) Infant
(element) Young Adult Senior
0.0
15 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
25 0.2
0.0 0.1 0.0
35 .0
0.0 0.9 0.0
0.8
0.0 1.0 0.0
55 0.4
0.0 . .0 0.1
0.1
0.0 1.0 0.2
5
0.0 O.0 T.0 0.6
85 0.0
0.0 .0 1.0
0.0 I.0 1.0
Derived the a-cut sets of the fuzzy set "Young" by giving a 0,2, a 0.4, = 0.8, and

a= 1.0.
Sol. This means "the age that we ean say Youth with posibility not less than 0,2", ie,
i fa = 0.2, then Young (15, 25, 35, 45;
similarly. ifa 0.4, then Young {25, 35, 45};
a 0.8, then Young- {25, 35);
and a 1.0, then " Young {25.

2.5.2. Strong a-Cut Set of Fuzzy Set A

A fuzzy set A is defined on X. The strong a-cul set, "A is made up of members X whose
membership grade is greater than a.
aA =

{xe X: A)> a, (Meerut-2009 BP)

where a e [0, 11.
The strong a-cut set of a fuzzy set A is the crisp set.
).8
Ex.8. If X= {a. b, c, d} and fuzzy set A = + + b e given. Then, find the
strong a-cut sets for a = 0.1, 0.3, 0.8 and 1.0.

Sol 14={b},0"A {b};A = =

{a, b}"A =
{a, b, c}.
Ex. 9. Derived the strong a-cut sets of the fuzzy set "Young" by giving a =
0.2, 0.4, 0.8,
1.0 in Ex. 7.

Sol. Young = {25, 35, 45};** Young= {25, 35); Young= {25}; Young = ¢.
NOTE: Clearly the value of a increases from 0 to 1 the size of the a-cut decreases i.e., a-cut
becomes smaller.

2.5.3. Level Set

The set of all levels a e [0, 1] that represent distinct a-cuts of a given fuzzy set A is called a
level set of A. Formally,

A 4) {a: A() a for somexe X},

= =

where A denotes the level set of fuzzy set A defined on X.

EX. 10.
If X=
ind the level set of
{a, b,
a
c,

given
d} and fuzzy set
setA.
1-02,05,, 090.7 0.5 given. Th:C d
be

Sol. Level set of A A (A) {0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9.

= =

Ex. 11. Describe the

concept of a fuzzy set.
Sol. We consider three (Meerut-2010, 11 BP)
fuzzy sets that represent the concept of young,
person. A rcasonable cxpression of these concepts by trapezoidal membership middle-aged and old
fiunctions A, A, and
A These functions are defined on the interval 10, 80) as follows:
i fS 20
4, ( ) 3 5 -x/1S il 200< a < 35
if x2 35

if either xS 20 or > 60
A, ) =
x-20)/15 if 20< x< 35
if 35S45
(60-x)/15 if 45< x< 60
 if xS45
if 45<
() -45)/1S x
<60.
if r2 60
A possible diserete approximation, D,, ot unclion
A, 18 also shown in
Fig. 2.7; its expliei
detinition is given in Table 2.2. Such approximations are mportant because they are typical
computer eprescntations of tiuzzy sets.
Young: A, Middle Age: Ap Old:. Ag
A,(4)

10 20 30
70 30

Age:
Fig. 2.7: Membership functions
person. Shown discrete
representing the concepts of a young,
middle-aged and old
approximation D2 of Az is defined
numerically in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2: Discrete
Approximation of Membership Function A, by Function
D: {0, 2, 4, ., 80) [0, 1] D, of the Form:

x
{22, 24,. ,58
D,
0.00
x E {22, 58
0.13
xE {24, 56
0.27
xE{26, 54 0.40
xE {28, 52
0.53
{30, 50}
0.67
XE{32, 48)
0.80
E34, 46
xE{36, 0.93
38, 40, 42, 44
I.00
One of the most
imporlant concepts of fuzzy sets is
variant, a strong d-cul, A, are the the concept of an a-cut, "A, its
d-culs and all crisp sets. The above
chart is a
an fall
strong -culs lor
the luzzy sels complete characterization o
A,, A2, Ay given in Fig. 2.7.
A-A-"A,-
"A 10,
10, 80)
35
X;
15. "A, [|5a +20, 60 15a),
=

[ 1 S a + 45, 80] for all a e (0,

 Basic COnceps OnTuzy e s

20, 60- 15a),

"A=(0, 35 15a), "A, =(15u +

"A= (15a + 45, 80) for all a e [0, I);

AA"A,
Set
2.5.4. Properties of a-Cuts and Strong a-Cuts of Fuzzy
sct inclusion of
The total ordering of values of a in [0, 1] is inverscly preserved by
set A and pair
the corresponding a-cuts as well as
strong u-cuts. That is, for any fuzzy
[0, 1] such that a, <
a, We have
a. a E

2 Ac A and "2"Ac"T'A.
This property can also be expressed by the cquations

AN A= "4, "AU "A="4

and AN 2*A= "2*A and "AU 2*A *A. =

It concludes that all a-cuts and all a-cuts of any fuzzy set form two distinct families
strong
of nested crisp sets.
"\A.
Ex. 12. Show byusing of Ex. 7 for "Young", if a, < az, then 24
(since 0.2 <0.4)
Sol. 04Young= $25, 35, 45) Young {15, 25, 35, 45; (since 0.4 < 0.8)
08Young (25, 35) Young {25, 35, 45); =

(since 0.2<0.8)
0.8 Young= {25,
i23 35s} gYoung {15, 25, 35, 45}.

Similarly, we can show for 2A 1"A.

2.5.5. Cutworthy Property and Strong Cutworthy Property
Any property generalized from classical
set theory into the domain of fuzzy set theory that is
the classical sense is called cutworthy property. If it is
preserved in all a-cuts for a e [0, 1] in
preserved in all strong a-cuts for a e [0, 1|, it 1s called a strong cutworthy property.

2.5.6. The Support of Fuzzy Set

universal set X is the crisp set that contains all the elements
set A within
The support of a fuzzy a

of X that have non-zero membership grades in 4, and is denoted by S(A) or supp(A).

suppl4) i*e X: A(x) > 0 (Meerut-2006 BP, 10)

NOTE: The support of A is exactly the same as the strong a-cut of A for a =0, i.e.. A.
Ex. 13. Consider a universal set X which is defined on the age domain.
X= {5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85} in Ex. 7. Find the support of fuzzy set "Young"
Sol. The support o f fuzzy set "Young" is supp(Young) = {15, 25, 35, 45, 55} and it is a crisp

Set.

2.5.7. Core of Fuzzy Set

Let A be a fuzy set on universal set X. Then the set of all those elements of X whose membership
grade is 1 called core of fuzzy set A and denoted by core (4). The l-cut, "A, is often called the
core of A. Formally,

Core (A)-eX:4{x)=1
NOTE: I. Core (4) is a crisp set on X.
II. For non-normal fuzuy set, the core is an enmpty set.
III. For a non-empty crisp set H on X, Core (B) = B.
 set C, Core (C) c C. More generally,
For a genuine fuzzy
Core h(4) *eX:A(r) =hMA)}.
fuzzy sets.
This is defined for all
IN. Core of fuzzy set also called the nucleus of fuzzy set.

2.5.8. Height of Fuzry Set

Let A be a fuzzy set on universal set X. Then the height of A is the largcst membershin
obtained by any element in that set and is denoted by h (A). Formally,

h4)= sup A(x).

NEX
(Meerut-2006 BP, 10)
NOTE: The height of A may also be viewcd as the supremum of a for which A * 6.

{1-e
tor x
Ex. 14. Let A) = 2be the fuzzy set. Find the height of A.
for x<0
Sol. The height of this fuzzy set is 1, but there is no value of x for which 4(x) =1.
Ex. 15. Find the height of the following fuzzy sets, whose membership grades are given as
follows:
I f 4 = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1), then h(A) = 1

)If A=0, 0.2, 0.8), then h(A) =0.8

( ) If A = (0, 0.2, 0.6), then h(A) = 0.6

iv) If A = (empty), then h(A) = 0.

() If A is
non-empty crisp set, then h{A) =
1.
2.5.9. Nomal Fuzzy Set
A fuzzy subset A of a
classical set X is called normal if there exist an x e X such that
A() = 1.
NOTE: L. All non-empty crisp sets (Meerut-2006 BP, 10 BP)
are normal.
IL In above
example () and (v) sets are normal.
2.5.10. Subnormal Fuzy Set
A fuzzy subset A of a
classical set X is called
sub-normal if there exist no member X such
A()= 1, i.e., A() <
1, Vx eX.
x e tnat

2.5.11. Normalization of
Certain fuzzy set can be
Fuzzy Set
of fuzzy set.
converted into a normal
fuzzy set. This
Let A be
procedure is called normalizau
defined by
a
non-empty fuzzy set on X. Then A, normalized version
of A is a fuzzy set
o
Ay)- Ax)
h(A)
X.
NOTE: If A is
Ex. 16. normal, then Ay =A.
(i) If A =(0.0,
hA) =0.8 and hence 0.2, 0.8) be a
fuzzy set, whose
(i) If A= (0.0, A (0.0, 0.25, 1.0) membership
mbership grades are given; then
grades are givc
and hence 0.2, 1.0) be a
Ay= fuzzy set, whose
(0.0, 0.2, 1.0) =

A. membership grades are given; then

"
2.5.12. Normalized
For cxample, the set *Young",
1, then
set is fuzzy set is normalizcd.
If "height" of some fuzzy
and "Senior" are normalized in Ex. 7.
"Adult"
ASSOCIATED WITH A
FUZZY SET
2.6. CERTAIN CRISP SETS
2.6.1. Comvex Fuzy Set in Fuzry Control Theory that
This means
function does not contain 'dips'.
A fuzzy set is callad convex if its membership
or bell shapcd.
the membership function is, for example, increasing, decreasing

2.6.2. Convex Fuzy Set

DEFINITION 1: Assuming universal set X is defined in n-dimensional Euclidean vector space

convex, the fuzzy set with these a-cut sets is convex for all a E (0, 1J.
R.Tfall the a-cut sets are

In other words, if a relation

w h e r e À r + (1 - A) s;
A02 Min [4(r), A()]
r,sER,Àe [0, 1] holds, the fuzzy set A is convex for all a e (0,1].
A(

0.4
a1a0 a =0.0

AA(0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8. 1.0

Fig. 2.8: Convex fuzzy set.

A(s) -

A()

A()

Fig. 2.9: Normal and

Convex fuzy set A(t) 2
A(r).
 A(

A (S

A(

Non-convex fuzzy set A(t) > A(r).

2.10:
Fig.
if "A is a convex subset of X, for al
set A of X is called convex
DEFINITION 2: A fuzzy
a e [0. 1]. iff
fuzzy set A on R is convex,
THEOREM: 2.1. A
A(k +(1-.)a) 2 min {4A(), A(7)} .(1)
(Meerut-2005, 08, 09 BP)
for allPROOF: E R and allà e [0, 1].
First we assume that A is a convex,

and let a A)s A)

Thenx. , E "A (since "A {*: A() 2 a)
(since A is convex)
x +(1 -2) z e *4, for any 2 e [0, 1]
A
(z +(1 -3)x) 2a= 4«) =
min [4(), A()J
that A satisfies We have to prove that for any (0, 1}, "A s
Comversely, we assume (1). a e

convex
Let, for any x1, X2 E A
Ax) 2 a, A (x,) 2 a
and for any 7. e [0, 1], then

A +(1-2)] 2 min [A(M). A(»)] 2 min (a, a) =

Therefore, "A is convex for
any
Hence, A is convex.
a e
[0, 1]
NOTE: Con vexity of fuzzy sets in
cutworthy property and also a strong cut
2.6.3. Fuzzy Number wo
A
furzy number A is a
furzy of the real line
set
nembershp functuon of bounded iih a normal, (fuzzy) convex and continuo
support. The family of
2.6.4. Quasi Fuzzy fuzzy numbers will be
do
A
Number
quasi fuzry number A is a
membership function satisfyingfuzzy
the
set
of real line
limit conditions
with
witlh a normal, fuzzy
fuzzy convex and continuo
convexX and
Lim A(x)
=0, Lim A(x) =
0,
 A(X)

Fig. 2.11: Fuzy number.

that
THEOREM: 2.2. Let A be a
fuzzy set on X and a, ß be two numbers such
0sasBs1 then "4 PA or "A g "A.
PROOF: Let x e A
A(x) 2 B, Vx eX

(since s B), Vx X¥
A(x) 2 a a e

A(x)2 "A, Vx e X

AA