We provide an operational identification of the complete class of superlative index numbers to track the exact aggregator functions of economic aggregation theory. If an index number is linearly homogeneous and a second order approximation in a formal manner that we define, we prove the index to be in the superlative index number class of nonparametric functions. Our definition is mathematically equivalent to Diewert¡¯s most general definition. But when operationalized in practice, our definition permits use of the full class, while Diewert¡¯s definition, in practice, spans only a strict subset of the general class. The relationship between the general class and that strict subset is a consequence of Galois theory. Only a very small number of elements of the general class have been found by Diewert¡¯s method, despite the fact that the general class contains an infinite number of functions. We illustrate our operational, general approach by proving for the first time that a particular family of nonparametric functions, including the Sato-Vartia index, is within the superlative index number class.
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Find related papers by JEL classification: C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs E01 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Measurement and Data on National Income and Product Accounts and Wealth D - Microeconomics
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