MATLAB operators are essential symbols or keywords used to perform various operations on MATLAB Variables and Data Types. They enable users to manipulate data, perform calculations, and make logical decisions in MATLAB programs.
Arithmetic operators perform basic mathematical operations on numeric values.
| Operator | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| + | Addition | 5 + 3 |
| - | Subtraction | 10 - 4 |
| * | Multiplication | 6 * 2 |
| / | Division | 15 / 3 |
| ^ | Exponentiation | 2 ^ 3 |
Relational operators compare two values and return a logical result (true or false).
| Operator | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| == | Equal to | 5 == 5 |
| ~= | Not equal to | 4 ~= 7 |
| < | Less than | 3 < 8 |
| > | Greater than | 10 > 2 |
| <= | Less than or equal to | 6 <= 6 |
| >= | Greater than or equal to | 9 >= 5 |
Logical operators combine logical expressions and return a logical result.
| Operator | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| && | Logical AND | (5 > 3) && (2 < 4) |
| || | Logical OR | (7 < 5) || (8 > 6) |
| ~ | Logical NOT | ~(3 == 4) |
MATLAB follows a specific order of operations when evaluating expressions with multiple operators. The precedence order, from highest to lowest, is:
x = 10;
y = 5;
result = (x + y) * 2 > 25;
disp(result) % Output: 1 (true)
a = true;
b = false;
c = a && ~b || (5 < 3);
disp(c) % Output: 1 (true)
Understanding MATLAB operators is crucial for effective programming in MATLAB. They form the foundation for creating complex algorithms, data analysis, and scientific computations. As you progress in your MATLAB journey, you'll find these operators indispensable in various applications, from simple calculations to advanced signal processing and image processing tasks.