MATLAB Primer Third Edition

The Third Edition of the MATLAB Primer is based on version 4.0/4.1 of MATLAB. While this edition reflects an extensive general revision of the Second Edition, most significant is the new information to help one begin to use the major new features of version 4.0/4.1, the sparse matrix and enhanced graphics capabilities. You are advised to download anew each term the latest printing of the Primer since minor improvements and corrections may have been made in the interim. If ftp is unavailable to you, the Primer can be obtained via listserv by sending an email message to [email protected] containing the single line send matlab/primer.tex. Also available at this ftp site are both English (primer35.tex, primer35.ps) and Spanish (primer35sp.tex, primer35sp.ps) versions of the Second Edition of the Primer, which was based on version 3.5 of MATLAB. The Spanish translation is by Celestino Montes, University of Seville, Spain. A Spanish translation of the Third Edition is under development. Users of the Primer usually appreciate the convenience and durability of a bound copy with a cover, copy center style. The MATLAB Primer may be distributed as desired subject to the following conditions: 1. It may not be altered in any way, except possibly adding an addendum giving information about the local computer installation or MATLAB toolboxes. 2. It, or any part thereof, may not be used as part of a document distributed for a commercial purpose. In particular, it may be distributed via a local copy center or bookstore. 2 Introduction MATLAB is an interactive, matrix-based system for scientific and engineering numeric computation and visualization. You can solve complex numerical problems in a fraction of the time required with a programming language such as Fortran or C. The name MATLAB is derived from MATrix LABoratory. The purpose of this Primer is to help you begin to use MATLAB. It is not intended to be a substitute for the User's Guide and Reference Guide for MATLAB. The Primer can best be used hands-on. You are encouraged to work at the computer as you read the Primer and freely experiment with examples. This Primer, along with the on-line help facility, usually suffice for students in a class requiring use of MATLAB. You should liberally use the on-line help facility for more detailed information. When using MATLAB, the command help functionname will give information about a specific function. For example, the command help eig will give …