The nearest trapezoidal form of a generalized left right fuzzy number

We propose a new approach to assigning distance between fuzzy numbers. A pseudo-metric on the set of fuzzy numbers and a metric on the set of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are described. The regular reducing functions and the Hausdorff metric are used to define the metric. Using this metric, we can approximate an arbitrary generalized left right fuzzy number with a trapezoidal one. Finally, powers and multiplication of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are approximated. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.