Revisiting the construction of gap functions for variational inequalities and equilibrium problems via conjugate duality

Based on conjugate duality we construct several gap functions for general variational inequalities and equilibrium problems, in the formulation of which a so-called perturbation function is used. These functions are written with the help of the Fenchel-Moreau conjugate of the functions involved. In case we are working in the convex setting and a regularity condition is fulfilled, these functions become gap functions. The techniques used are the ones considered in Altangerel L., Bo? R.I., Wanka G., On gap functions for equilibrium problems via Fenchel duality, Pac. J. Optim., 2006, 2(3), 667–678] and Altangerel L., Bo? R.I., Wanka G., On the construction of gap functions for variational inequalities via conjugate duality, Asia-Pac. J. Oper. Res., 2007, 24(3), 353–371]. By particularizing the perturbation function we rediscover several gap functions from the literature. We also characterize the solutions of various variational inequalities and equilibrium problems by means of the properties of the convex subdifferential. In case no regularity condition is fulfilled, we deliver also necessary and sufficient sequential characterizations for these solutions. Several examples are illustrating the theoretical aspects.