Applied Numerical Methods Using MATLAB, 2nd Edition

1MATLAB Usage and Computational Errors

Chapter Outline

• 1.1 Basic Operations of MATLAB
  • 1.1.1 Input/Output of Data from MATLAB Command Window
  • 1.1.2 Input/Output of Data Through Files
  • 1.1.3 Input/Output of Data Using Keyboard
  • 1.1.4 Two‐Dimensional (2D) Graphic Input/Output
  • 1.1.5 Three Dimensional (3D) Graphic Output
  • 1.1.6 Mathematical Functions
  • 1.1.7 Operations on Vectors and Matrices
  • 1.1.8 Random Number Generators
  • 1.1.9 Flow Control
• 1.2 Computer Errors vs. Human Mistakes
  • 1.2.1 IEEE 64‐bit Floating‐Point Number Representation
  • 1.2.2 Various Kinds of Computing Errors
  • 1.2.3 Absolute/Relative Computing Errors
  • 1.2.4 Error Propagation
  • 1.2.5 Tips for Avoiding Large Errors
• 1.3 Toward Good Program
  • 1.3.1 Nested Computing for Computational Efficiency
  • 1.3.2 Vector Operation vs. Loop Iteration
  • 1.3.3 Iterative Routine vs. Recursive Routine
  • 1.3.4 To Avoid Runtime Error
  • 1.3.5 Parameter Sharing via GLOBAL Variables
  • 1.3.6 Parameter Passing Through VARARGIN
  • 1.3.7 Adaptive Input Argument List
  • Problems

1.1 Basic Operations of MATLAB

MATLAB is a high‐level software package with many built‐in functions that make the learning of numerical methods much easier and more interesting. In this section, we will introduce some basic operations that will enable you to learn the software and build your own programs for problem solving. In the workstation environment, you type “matlab” to start the program, while in the PC environment, you simply double‐click the MATLAB icon.

Once you start the MATLAB ...