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Lab Tutorial

This lab tutorial introduces students to the MATLAB interface, covering basic operations, commands, and mathematical computations. Key topics include starting MATLAB, entering commands, performing arithmetic operations, creating vectors and matrices, and managing variables. The tutorial emphasizes practice with examples to establish a strong foundation for advanced MATLAB topics.

Uploaded by

MOIZ ALI
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views

Lab Tutorial

This lab tutorial introduces students to the MATLAB interface, covering basic operations, commands, and mathematical computations. Key topics include starting MATLAB, entering commands, performing arithmetic operations, creating vectors and matrices, and managing variables. The tutorial emphasizes practice with examples to establish a strong foundation for advanced MATLAB topics.

Uploaded by

MOIZ ALI
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab Tutorial: Introduction to MATLAB

Objective: To familiarise students with the MATLAB interface, basic operations, commands,
and mathematical computations.

1. Getting Started with MATLAB

1.1 Starting MATLAB

 Open MATLAB from the Start menu or a desktop icon.


 Familiarize yourself with the MATLAB desktop environment:
o Command Window: Main area for entering commands.
o Current Folder: Shows files in the active directory.
o Workspace: Displays variables created during the session.
o Command History: Lists previously executed commands.
 Customize the layout via the Layout menu.

1.2 Entering Commands

 Click in the Command Window to activate it.


 Examples:
 >> a = [2 4 7];
 >> b = 3 + 5;
 >> c = sin(80);
 Rules to remember:
o MATLAB is case-sensitive.
o Use ; to suppress output.
o Use the up arrow key to recall previous commands.

1.3 Getting Help

 Use help followed by a function name to learn about it. Example:


 >> help linspace
 Access more options under the Help menu in the toolbar.

1.4 Exiting MATLAB

 Type exit or quit in the Command Window, or click the close button.

2. Basic Operations and Variable Assignment

2.1 Arithmetic Operations


 MATLAB uses these symbols:
o Addition: +
o Subtraction: -
o Multiplication: *
o Division: /
o Exponentiation: ^
 Example:
 >> result = 6^3 - (7 + 5)/2 + 9*4;

2.2 Errors and Debugging

 If there is a syntax error, MATLAB highlights the issue. Example:


 >> 4x^4
 Error: Invalid expression.
 Correct input:
 >> 4*x^4;

2.3 Aborting Calculations

 Use Ctrl + C to stop a running command.

3. Vectors and Matrices

3.1 Creating Vectors

 Row vector:
 >> v = [1 2 3 4];
 Column vector:
 >> v = [1; 2; 3; 4];
 Using the colon operator:
 >> v = 1:5;

3.2 Vector Operations

 Element-wise operations use .*, ./, or .^.


 >> x = [1 2 3];
 >> y = [4 5 6];
 >> z = x .* y;

3.3 Creating Matrices

 Example:
 >> A = [1 2 3; 4 5 6; 7 8 9];
 Access elements:
 >> A(2,3); % Element in 2nd row, 3rd column
4. Numerical Operations

4.1 Precision and Formatting

 Control output format:


 >> format long; % Display more digits
 >> format short; % Default format

4.2 Rounding Functions

 Examples:
 >> round(53/7);
 >> floor(53/7);

5. Managing Variables

5.1 Clearing Variables

 Clear all variables:


 >> clear;
 Clear specific variables:
 >> clear x;

5.2 Viewing Variables

 Use who or whos to list active variables.

6. Symbolic Operations

6.1 Creating Symbolic Variables

 Example:
 >> syms x y;
 >> z = x^2 + y^2;

6.2 Simplifying Expressions

 Use simplify:
 >> simplify((x^3 - y^3)/(x-y));

Conclusion: This lab introduces MATLAB’s basic interface and computational capabilities.
Practice the examples above to build a strong foundation for more advanced topics.

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