User:Eml4500.f08.ateam.nobrega/homework 1

What is Matlab?
MATLAB is short for "matrix laboratory". It is a program software that allows users to solve numerical problems using a programming language similar to, yet simpler and faster than, Fortran or C++. It is a matrix based system that allows for quick computation and visualization of scientific and engineering problems such as, but not limited to, plotting data and functions, implementing algorithms, solving algebraic expressions and creating programs.

An Introduction to the Matlab Primer
The MATLAB Primer Tutorial was written based on the 4.0 and 4.1 version of MATLAB. However, it can be used in updated versions of MATLAB as well. The Primer was written by Kermit Sigmon, Department of Mathematics at the University of Florida. It is designed to help one use MATLAB. It is encouraged that the Primer be used hands on with the reader sitting at their computer going through the examples. Users should type the commands into the MATLAB command window and view the MATLAB generated output for each topic.

If the user is unsure of how to perform a task or if an error message arises, he or she should call on the help function. This function can be called by typing the word help into the command window. Doing this will display a list of topics for the user to choose from. To call for a specific help topic type in the word help followed by a space and the name of the topic one is searching for. Another helpful command is to type in the word demo into the command space, allowing the user to preview some of the MATLAB functions.

The MATLAB Primer is a set of instructions for how to perform basic MATLAB functions. The MATLAB User's Guide and Reference Guide will need to be accessed for more advanced applications. To find these documents consult your instructor or visit your local library or computer lab.

"MATLAB is available for a number of environments: Sun/Apollo/VAXstation/HPworkstations, VAX, MicroVAX, Gould, PC and AT compatibles, 80386 and 80486 computers, Apple Macintosh, and several parallel machines. There is a relatively inexpensive Student Edition available from Prentice Hall publishers."

Accessing MATLAB
After logging on to a computer, the easiest way to access MATLAB is to double-click the MATLAB icon on the desktop or search for MATLAB in your program list. The MATLAB icon is featured below:

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