1. MATLAB – What Is It ? Name is from matrix laboratory Powerful tool for
Computation and visualization of engineering and science mathematics
Communication of ideas
Programming:
Built-in editor, debugger, and help
Many predefined functions (grouped in toolboxes)
Interpreted or compiled programs

2. MATLAB – Where Is It ?
MATLAB is available on all computers in the Engineering Computer Center and on many other computers located in departments within the College of Engineering (Computer Classroom 225 Wales). You can also purchase your own Student Version from MathWorks at:

3. How Do We Want To Use MATLAB In Statics Course?
Write a Simple MATLAB Program to Do the Following:
- Calculate All Member Forces in Truss Problem
Plot Forces to Graphically Observe How
Structure Behaves
Investigate Tension & Compression Force
Restrictions

4. Creating Your Own Program Script (m-file) Concept
M-file is a collection of MATLAB commands
Can be re-executed
Is easily changed/modified or ed to someone
File format: Name.m
Commands are executed one by one sequentially
File is executed by typing its name (without .m)
Results appear in the command window (or use ; )
Can be created using any text editor, but is most easily developed in MATLAB Editor Window

5. Boot Up Default MATLAB Window
Help menu provides answers to most questions
Opens Editor Window to create new program
In this window: - type & edit commands - test & run program - save work when finished

6. Demo MATLAB Code Calculate & Plot Equation: y=2x+30x2-2x3
Dot needed for element-by-element operation

7. Plotting Line Specifiers
Line Specifiers Change the Look Especially Handy When Plotting Several Lines on Same Graph Use Help Menu to Find Out More

8. The Project Problem

9. The Project Problem Plot Title Tension Compression Legend Axis Label
Use text to write to screen; text(x,y,’F_C_F’)