The Basics of MATLAB

If the matrix A contains m rows and n columns of entries, we call A an m by n matrix 

Real or complex scalars c thus can be viewed as 1 by 1 matrices if we wish. 

After pressing the return key, the MATLAB command window will display A as follows A = [1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9,10,11,12] 

Note that entry-wise defined matrices and vectors are delimited by square brackets [ and ] in MATLAB commands. 

Note further that the entries of one row of a matrix (or of a row vector) can be entered into MATLAB s workspace either separated by a blank space or by a comma, while a semicolon indicates the start of a new row. A comma or a blank at the end of a command line will cause screen display of the object that has just been defined, while a semicolon after a command will not. 

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Obviously, there is no panacea when choosing which programming system to use, and any choice will have both backers and detractors. As a compromise, MATLAB is introduced in the last chapter of this text This introduction is sufficient for students to grasp the basics of MATLAB and how it differs from using Excel and VBA. Also, MATLAB programming is easily mastered by those who know VBA. 

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