Chapter 1

Introducing MATLAB and Its Many Uses

In This Chapter

arrow Understanding how MATLAB fits in as a tool for performing math tasks

arrow Seeing where MATLAB is used today

arrow Discovering how to get the most from MATLAB

arrow Overcoming the MATLAB learning curve

Math is the basis of all our science and even some of our art. In fact, math itself can be an art form — consider the beauty of fractals (a visual presentation of a specialized equation). However, math is also abstract and can be quite difficult and complex to work with. MATLAB makes performing math-related tasks easier. You use MATLAB to perform math-related tasks such as

  • Numerical computation
  • Visualization
  • Programming

This chapter introduces you to MATLAB, an application that performs a variety of math tasks. It helps you understand the role that MATLAB can play in reducing the overall complexity of math and in explaining math-related information to others more easily. You also discover that MATLAB is already used by a number of different organizations to perform real-world tasks in a manner that improves accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. ...

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