Recap
You should be familiar with how to start MATLAB (either on a Windows or Linux computer), the MATLAB Command Window and how to get help.How is MATLAB used?
MATLAB can be used just like a fancy scientific/engineering/business calculator. Although this is only a small fraction of MATLAB's capabilities, it is essential that these aspects can be used correctly first, before tackling more advanced topics on vectors, functions and plotting in later modules.
Before starting this module you should be able to start MATLAB on either the Windows or Linux computers.
Objectives
The aim of this module is to enable you to enter an arithmetic expression in MATLAB
and understand the results produced, particularly when these results
involve scientific notation, complex numbers and Inf and NaN.
What you should know by the end of this module:
- the importance of being very precise when entering arithmetic expressions, particularly when brackets are required;
- how to enter numbers using scientific notation and how to change the format of the answer displayed in the MATLAB command window;
- that MATLAB works with complex numbers, how to enter complex numbers and how to find real and imaginary parts;
- the meaning of Inf (infinity) and Nan (Not a Number);
- the MATLAB functions sqrt, exp, log and the constant pi.
Instructions
Work your way through the pages of this lesson using the links in the blue bar above or at the bottom of each page. You should do them in order initially but you can return to any of them when you need to refresh your memory. You can print the pages by using the printable copy icon in the Resources menu bar to the right.
Hint: Have these lessons open in a web browser and MATLAB open in another window so you can try all the examples as you work through the lessons.
It is recommended that you attempt
the self-test exercises that you will find on each page. There is a
quiz at the end of the module for which you will receive a grade.
Your final mark for this quiz will be the highest mark you achieve
before the due date for the quiz.
For further information on the topics covered in this module, read sections 2.1.1, 2.1.4, 2.1.6 and 2.1.7 of the Introduction to MATLAB notes.