Introduction to Symbolic Math with MATLAB

Learn the basics of symbolic math in MATLABĀ®. Instead of manipulating and solving equations yourself on paper, why not have MATLAB do it for you?

Course modules

Introduction

Familiarize yourself with symbolic math and the course.

Lessons:
  • Course Overview

Creating Symbolic Variables

Represent numbers symbolically instead of numerically. Create symbolic variables.

Lessons:
  • Storing Numbers Symbolically
  • Creating Symbolic Variables

Mathematical Expressions with Symbolic Variables

Create and visualize symbolic mathematical expressions, and substitute values for symbolic variables.

Lessons:
  • Creating Symbolic Expressions
  • Substituting Values into Symbolic Variables
  • Visualizing Expressions

Creating and Solving Symbolic Equations

Define and solve algebraic equations containing symbolic variables.

Lessons:
  • Defining Symbolic Equations
  • Solving Symbolic Equations

Algebraic Manipulation and Simplification

Manipulate, evaluate, and simplify symbolic equations and expressions.

Lessons:
  • Manipulation and Simplification

Working with Assumptions

Set assumptions on symbolic variables to get real world results.

Lessons:
  • Setting Assumptions on Symbolic Variables
  • Setting Multiple Assumptions

Working with Units of Measurement

Assign real world units to symbolic variables and convert from one unit of measurement to another.

Lessons:
  • Assigning Units
  • Converting Units

Creating Symbolic Functions

Define mathematical functions containing symbolic variables.

Lessons:
  • Creating Symbolic Functions
  • Working with Symbolic Function Outputs

Visualizing Symbolic Functions and Equations

Visualize functions and equations in two and three dimensions.

Lessons:
  • Visualization in 2D
  • Visualization in 3D

Review Project I

Bring together concepts you have learned with a project.

Lessons:
  • Robot Arm - Visualizing Motion
  • Robot Arm - Finding Rotation Angles

Calculus with Symbolic Math

Perform common calculus tasks symbolically, like differentiating, integrating, finding Taylor polynomials, and solving ordinary differential equations.

Lessons:
  • Finding Derivatives
  • Finding Integrals
  • Differentiating and Integrating Multivariable Functions
  • Approximating Functions using Taylor Polynomials
  • Solving Ordinary Differential Equations

Review Project II

Bring together concepts that you have learned with a project.

Lessons:
  • Modeling the Path of a Bungee Jumper
  • Visualizing the Bungee Jump

Next Steps

Give feedback on the course.

Lessons:
  • Additional Resources
  • Survey

MATLAB Onramp

Get started quickly with the basics of MATLAB.

Solving Nonlinear Equations with MATLAB

Use root finding methods to solve nonlinear equations.

Solving Ordinary Differential Equations with MATLAB

Use MATLAB ODE solvers to numerically solve ordinary differential equations.

MATLAB Onramp

Get started quickly with the basics of MATLAB.