Numerical analysis guide

MATLAB Functions Reference

Search MATLAB functions for arrays, plotting, linear algebra, numerical methods, signals, control systems, and engineering scripts.

Function lookup

Find MATLAB functions by engineering task

Filter by function name, toolbox area, matrix operation, plotting task, or calculation workflow.

MATLAB

Best for

Numerical scripts

Use this reference to recall syntax for arrays, models, plots, and analysis pipelines.

Watch out

Toolbox availability

Some functions require specialized toolboxes such as Signal Processing, Control System, or Optimization.

Searchable reference

MATLAB functions and engineering uses

Category	Command / Function	Purpose	Example / Use
Arrays	linspace	Create evenly spaced values between limits	`linspace(0,10,101)`
Arrays	zeros	Create an array filled with zeros	`zeros(3,4)`
Math	trapz	Numerically integrate sampled data	`trapz(t,y)`
Linear algebra	eig	Return eigenvalues and eigenvectors	`[V,D] = eig(A)`
Linear algebra	mldivide	Solve a linear system efficiently	`x = A\b`
Plotting	plot	Create a 2D line plot	`plot(t,y)`
Data	readtable	Import tabular data from a file	`T = readtable("data.csv")`
Numerical methods	ode45	Solve non-stiff ordinary differential equations	`[t,y] = ode45(@model,tspan,y0)`
Optimization	fminsearch	Minimize an unconstrained function	`fminsearch(@cost,x0)`
Signals	fft	Compute the fast Fourier transform	`Y = fft(signal)`
Control	tf	Create a transfer function model	`G = tf(num,den)`
Files	save	Save variables to a MAT file	`save("run.mat","results")`

How to use

How to use MATLAB functions in analysis

Search by task

task -> command -> example

Start with the task you need, then check the command, function, or shortcut syntax before using it in a real workflow.

Check context

version + module + units

Software behavior can change by version, workspace, add-in, toolbox, shell, or engineering unit system.

Verify output

example -> small test -> real work

Use the examples as starting patterns and confirm results with a small test file, sample model, or known calculation.

Document assumptions

inputs + method + result

Record the inputs, method, version, and assumptions so engineering results can be reviewed later.

Workflow notes

MATLAB workflow notes

Workspace

The active MATLAB variable environment used by scripts, live scripts, and command-window calculations.

Vectorization

Writing operations on whole arrays instead of loops to make code shorter and usually faster.

Toolbox

An add-on package that provides domain-specific functions for controls, signals, optimization, statistics, and more.

Live script

A MATLAB document format that combines code, outputs, plots, and explanatory text.

FAQ