Overview

In this appendix we discuss symbolic computation, which is an important and complementary aspect of computing. As we have noted, MATLAB uses floating-point arithmetic for its calculations. But one can also do exact arithmetic with symbolic expression. Here, we will give many examples to get the exact arithmetic.

Many applications in mathematics, science, and engineering require symbolic operations, which are mathematical operations with expressions that contain symbolic variables. Symbolic variables are such variables that don t have specific numerical values when the operation is executed. The result of such operations is also mathematical expression in terms of the symbolic variables. Symbolic operations can be performed by MATLAB when the Symbolic Math Toolbox is installed. The Symbolic Math Toolbox is included in the student version of the software and can be added to the standard program. The Symbolic Math Toolbox is a collection of MATLAB functions that are used for execution of symbolic operations. The commands and functions for the symbolic operations have the same style and syntax as those for the numerical operations.

Symbolic computations are performed by computer programs such as Derive , Maple , and Mathematica . MATLAB also supports symbolic computation through the Symbolic Math Toolbox, which uses the symbolic routines of Maple. T, check if the Symbolic Math Toolbox is installed, one can type:

In response, MATLAB displays information about the version that is used as well as a list of the toolboxes that are installed. Using MATLAB Symbolic Math Toolbox, we...