Learning Objectives for Test #1

Chapter 7. Vectors and Matrices (pg. 294-334 of Rectenwald)

Extend traditional view of vectors being only 2D or 3D to multidimensions

Add, subtract, and scalar multiply vectors and matrices

Create linear combinations of vectors

Calculate inner (dot) product of two vectors by hand

Determine if two vectors are orthogonal/orthonormal

Define a vector norm and use L1, L2, L¥ to compare vector magnitudes

Compute the transpose of vectors and matrices by hand

Perform matrix-vector and matrix-matrix multiplication by hand

Chapter 2. Running MATLAB

Create variables, vectors, and matrices in MATLAB manually

Create a matrix using the transpose operator

Create or modify an array using common Matlab built-in functions

Create, extract, and modify matrices using subscript and colon notation

Perform common matrix operations including element-by-element operations

Define and use strings

Read-in data or write to a file using save, load, fopen, fscanf, fgetl commands, etc.

Plot and append various 2D and 3D plots from vector or matrix data

Use the meshgrid command to transform vectors to matrices

Chapter 3. MATLAB Programming

Create ‘.m’ files and distinguish between function and script files

Include input and output variables in a function ‘.m’ file correctly

Call a function from the MATLAB window, a script, or another function file

Use subfunctions in a function file

Use the input, disp, and fprintf commands properly in a ‘.m’ file

Use relational operators to compare variables

Develop and read code that uses if…elseif…else…end blocks

Develop and read code that uses “for” and “while” loops

Develop and read code that uses a “break” command

Vectorize loops and vice versa

Develop and read functions that use multiple inputs and/or outputs

Use global variables in a set of ‘.m’ files and describe the advantages/disadvatages

Chapter 4. Organizing and Debugging MATLAB Programs

Properly organize and document m-files

Consistent style

Whitespace

Meaningful variable names

Documentation (I do not expect comments in code on tests unless specifically requested)

Develop a program using stepwise refinement

Create multiple m-files to solve a problem

Utilize the type, dbtype, error, pause, and keyboard command for debugging

Chapter 5. Unavoidable Errors in Computing

Define a bit, byte, and word

Convert integers and floating point numbers into binary numbers

Evaluate problems outside of numerical range limits

Define, distinguish, and identify roundoff and truncation errors

Measure absolute and true/approximate relative errors using a known answer as well as in a convergence sequence

Use a Taylor series to calculate a function at a specified point