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Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Understanding M-file scripts
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Hey class, today we will discuss how we can streamline our coding process using M-file scripts in MATLAB. Can anyone tell me why we might want to use a script instead of typing commands directly into the command window?
I think it's because we can save the commands and reuse them later.
That's correct! Using scripts allows us to write a set of commands in a file, save it, and execute it anytime using a single command. This is especially helpful when dealing with repetitive tasks.
What happens to the variables we create in a script?
Great question! All variables created in a script file are added to the workspace. However, be cautious because existing variables might get overwritten accidentally! Remember the acronym ROSE: 'Replace, Overwrite, Scope, Execute' to keep this in mind when using scripts.
To wrap up, M-file scripts are a powerful tool to automate tasks in MATLAB. They allow for code reuse and documentation of processes. We can write complex scripts and run them with ease.
Creating Functions in MATLAB
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Now, let's shift our focus to functions. What do you think makes functions different from scripts?
Functions can take inputs and give outputs, unlike scripts?
Exactly! Functions allow for reusable code that can accept variables as input and produce output based on computations done inside them. Can anyone recall the format of a function definition?
It starts with the keyword 'function', followed by the output variable, function name, and inputs in parentheses?
Well done! And remember, functions create their own workspace, which helps to avoid variable conflicts. To help you remember the function anatomy, you can use the mnemonic FANCY for: 'Function, Arguments, Name, Code, Yield'.
Now, letβs practice by writing a function to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius.
Applying Functions and Exercises
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Letβs get into our exercises for today! First, we have a problem involving three characters buying fruits. How would you approach solving this problem?
We could set up a system of equations to find the price of each type of fruit?
Correct! Each character's purchases can be turned into equations based on the costs of apples, bananas, and cantaloupes. Once we define the equations, we can use MATLAB to solve for the costs.
What about the temperature conversion exercise?
For that one, you'll need to create a function that takes Fahrenheit as input and returns Celsius as output. Make sure to use the fprintf command to display the results attractively.
Lastly, for determining height and mass in SI units, remember to use both input and output arguments in your function. Who can explain the use of multiple outputs?
It allows us to return both height and mass values from the function!
Exactly right! Letβs work on these exercises together.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
The exercises cover various practical applications of MATLAB programming concepts, including determining costs of fruits, temperature conversions, and user-defined functions. These activities aim to reinforce learning and enhance coding skills in MATLAB.
Detailed
In this section, students are presented with exercises designed to solidify their understanding of MATLAB's scripting and function capabilities. The exercises challenge students with real-world scenarios, such as calculating the costs of fruits purchased by individuals, converting temperature from Fahrenheit to Centigrade, and creating user-defined functions that require handling input and output arguments. The exercises aim to encourage practical application of theoretical knowledge, reinforcing both programming skills and mathematical reasoning.
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Audio Book
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Exercise 1: Fruit Pricing Problem
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- Liz buys three apples, a dozen bananas, and one cantaloupe for $2.36. Bob buys a dozen apples and two cantaloupe for $5.26. Carol buys two bananas and three cantaloupe for $2.77. How much do single pieces of each fruit cost?
Detailed Explanation
In this exercise, you're tasked with determining the individual prices of three different types of fruit based on the total spending of three customers: Liz, Bob, and Carol. To solve this problem, you'll need to set up a system of equations. Each customer's total spending provides a separate equation. For example, if we let the cost of an apple be 'a', a banana 'b', and a cantaloupe 'c', we can form equations based on their total purchases:
- Liz: 3a + 12b + 1c = 2.36
- Bob: 12a + 2c = 5.26
- Carol: 2b + 3c = 2.77
With these equations, you can use methods like substitution or matrix techniques in MATLAB to find the values of a, b, and c, which will give you the cost per fruit.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this as a mystery we need to solve. Imagine a grocery store where customers are buying different amounts of fruit, but we only know how much they spent in total. It's like trying to figure out how much each piece of fruit costs without labels β we have clues (the total amounts) and need to use logic to break it down!
Exercise 2: Temperature Conversion Function
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- Write a function file that converts temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (F) to degrees Centigrade (C). Use input and fprintf commands to display a mix of text and numbers. Recall the conversion formulation, C = 5/9 (F - 32).
Detailed Explanation
This exercise challenges you to create a function in MATLAB that converts Fahrenheit temperatures to Celsius. The formula to make this conversion is C = 5/9 * (F - 32). You'll need to write a function that takes input from the user for the Fahrenheit value, performs the calculation, and then displays the temperature in Celsius using the fprintf command. By effectively utilizing user inputs and formatted output, this exercise combines coding skills with practical applications in temperature measurement.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're checking the weather on your favorite weather app, which gives temperatures in Fahrenheit because you're in the U.S. But you're planning a trip to a country that uses Celsius β you'll need to convert it! This function acts like a personal assistant to help you quickly and accurately switch between the two temperature systems.
Exercise 3: Height and Weight Function
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- Write a user-defined MATLAB function, with two input and two output arguments that determines the height in centimeters (cm) and mass in kilograms (kg) of a person from his height in inches (in.) and weight in pounds (lb).
(a) Determine in SI units the height and mass of a 5 ft.15 in. person who weighs 180 lb.
(b) Determine your own height and weight in SI units.
Detailed Explanation
In this exercise, you will create a MATLAB function that converts height from inches and weight from pounds to metric SI units: centimeters for height and kilograms for weight. The conversion formulas are:
- Height in cm = Height in inches * 2.54
- Weight in kg = Weight in pounds * 0.453592.
Your function should accept the height and weight as inputs and return the converted values as outputs. You'll also be tasked with demonstrating this function by first computing the SI units for a specified individual and then using it to find your own height and weight.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this function as a health tracker that can transform your personal measurements into a format understood worldwide. Whenever you travel abroad or check health guidelines, having your height and weight in metric can be crucial. Imagine youβre preparing for an international athletic competition, and the organizers require your stats to be in metric β this function helps make that conversion effortlessly!
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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M-file: A MATLAB file with a .m extension containing code.
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Script: A file that executes a series of MATLAB commands.
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Function: A defined routine in MATLAB that takes inputs and returns outputs.
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Workspace: The environment in MATLAB where variables are stored.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
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Example 1: Calculating the costs of fruits using M-file scripts for actual values.
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Example 2: Writing a function to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
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Scripts and functions, oh so neat, Code reused, can't be beat!
π Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a chef who creates recipes (functions) that can use ingredients (inputs) to make delicious dishes (outputs) rather than cooking each time from scratch (scripts).
π§ Other Memory Gems
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Remember FANCY for functions: Function, Arguments, Name, Code, Yield.
π― Super Acronyms
ROSE
- Replace
- Overwrite
- Scope
- Execute to remember how scripts affect the workspace.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Mfile
Definition:
A file containing MATLAB code, specifically a script or function, saved with a .m extension.
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Term: Script File
Definition:
An external file that contains a sequence of MATLAB statements that can be executed as a program.
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Term: Function File
Definition:
A MATLAB file that includes a function definition and can accept inputs and return outputs.
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Term: Workspace
Definition:
The area where MATLAB stores variables and their values during execution.
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Term: fprintf
Definition:
A command in MATLAB used to format and print data to the screen.