Matlab: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving

by Dorothy C. Attaway Ph.D.

Overview

MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving discusses the basic programming concepts and skills needed for problem solving using MATLAB software. It is the only book that gives a full introduction to programming in MATLAB combined with an explanation of MATLAB’s powerful functions. The book differs from other texts in that it teaches programming concepts and the use of the built-in functions in MATLAB simultaneously. It presents programming concepts and MATLAB built-in functions side-by-side, giving students the ability to program efficiently and exploit the power of MATLAB to solve problems. The systematic, step-by-step approach, building on concepts throughout the book, facilitates easier learning.

Starting with basic programming concepts, such as variables, assignments, input/output, selection, and loop statements, problems are introduced and solved throughout the book. The book is organized into two parts. Part I covers the programming constructs and demonstrates programming versus efficient use of built-in functions to solve problems. Part II describes the applications, including plotting, image processing, and mathematics, needed in basic problem solving. The chapters feature sections called "Quick Question!" as well as practice problems designed to test knowledge about the material covered. Problems are solved using both "The Programming Concept" and "The Efficient Method," which facilitates understanding the efficient ways of using MATLAB, and also the programming concepts used in these efficient functions and operators. There are also sections on ‘common pitfalls’ and ‘programming guidelines’ that direct students towards best practice.

This book is ideal for engineers learning to program and model in MATLAB, as well as undergraduates in engineering and science taking a course on MATLAB.

* Presents programming concepts and MATLAB built-in functions side-by-side, giving students the ability to program efficiently and exploit the power of MATLAB to solve problems.
* In depth coverage of file input/output, a topic essential for many engineering applications
* Systematic, step-by-step approach, building on concepts throughout the book, facilitating easier learning
* Sections on ‘common pitfalls’ and ‘programming guidelines’ direct students towards best practice

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780080943251
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	03/05/2009
Series:	Hahn and Attaway Bundle
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	480
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Stormy Attaway is on the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University. She has been the course coordinator for the Engineering Computation courses at Boston University for over thirty years and has taught a variety of programming courses using many different languages and software packages. She is a recipient of the Metcalf Cup and Prize, Boston University’s highest teaching award.

Table of Contents

Introduction to MATLAB; MATLAB programs; Selection Statements; Looping; Introduction to User-defined Functions; String Manipulation; Data Structures; File Input/Ouput; Advanced Functions ; MATLAB Plots; Matrix Operations; Solving Systems of Linear Algebraic Equations; Symbolic Mathematics; Statistics; Curve fitting; Sight and Sounds

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

The only book that gives a full introduction to programming in MATLAB combined with an explanation of MATLAB’s powerful functions, enabling engineers to fully exploit MATLAB’s power to solve engineering problems

Editorial Reviews

"This book is an excellent way to learn quickly how to use MATLAB…The most significant changes in this edition include a new chapter on vectorized code and manipulating vectors, concepts used in image processing, modified and new end-of-chapter exercises, and the use of MATLAB version R2011a." —Electrical Insulation Magazine, January 2013

"This book is an excellent way to learn quickly how to use MATLAB…Anyone who wants to learn the basis of MATLAB quickly should own this book." —IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine

"In-depth coverage is given to input/output, a topic that is fundamental to many engineering applications. New to this edition are more engineering applications to help the reader learn MATLAB in the context of solving technical problems, new and revised end-of-chapter problems, stronger coverage of loops and vectorizing in a new chapter and updates to reflect current features and functions of the current release of MATLAB." —Lunar and Planetary Information

"Assuming no knowledge of programming, this book presents both programming concepts and MATLAB’s built-n functions, providing a perfect platform for exploiting its extensive capabilities for tackling engineering problems. The book starts with programming concepts such as variables, assignments, input/output, and selection statements, moves onto loops, and then solves problems using both the ‘programming concepts’ and the ‘power of MATLAB’ side by side. In-depth coverage is given to input/output, a topic that is fundamental to many engineering applications. New to this edition are more engineering applications to help the reader learn MATLAB in the context of solving technical problems, new and revised end-of-chapter problems, stronger coverage of loops and vectorizing in a new chapter, and updates to reflect current features and functions of the current release of MATLAB." —Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin, December 2011

"This is the perfect book for anyone wanted to acquire a secure understanding of MATLAB fundaments and master its language. Many engineers and scientists now use MATLAB and Simulink to solve real-world problems. With the help of this book, they will be able to exploit the full power of MATLAB much sooner than they would using the online manuals, and be able to solve real problems much more quickly." —IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine

From the Publisher