Essential MATLAB for Scientists and Engineers

This textbook presents the MATLAB computer programming system as a problem-solving tool. It is based on a teach-yourself approach; readers are frequently invited to experiment for themselves in order to discover how particular constructs work. Aimed at scientists and engineers who have no prior knowledge of computer programming, this book does not assume any knowledge of matrices on the part of the reader. MATLAB can be used in two distinct models. It offers immediate execution of statements, or even groups of statements, in the command window. It also offers conventional programming by means of script files. This book makes use of both modes. The fundamentals of MATLAB are motivated throughout with many examples, from a number of different scientific and engineering areas, such as simulation, population, modelling and numerical methods, as well as from business and everyday life. This book should be of interest to beginners and experienced programmers wishing to learn MATLAB as an additional language.