Symbolic math in MATLAB
Symbolic Math Toolbox™ uses the MuPAD® language as part of its underlying computational engine. The language has an extensive set of functions that are optimized for creating and operating on symbolic math expressions.
Prior to the R2016a release of MATLAB® (March 2016), the MuPAD Notebook was the primary interface for performing and documenting symbolic math calculations. Starting in R2016a, the recommended approach is to use the MATLAB Live Editor.
Performing analytical integration in the MuPAD Notebook (left) and in the MATLAB Live Editor (right).
Getting Started with the MATLAB Live Editor
The MATLAB Live Editor is an interactive way to create, edit, and run MATLAB code. In a single environment your symbolic math computations are displayed in mathematical typeset, along with formatted text, equations, images, and hyperlinks. You can share live scripts with others to accelerate exploratory analysis, create interactive narratives, and teach with interactive documents.
Converting MuPAD Notebooks to MATLAB Live Scripts
The MATLAB function convertMuPADNotebook helps to convert your MuPAD notebooks to MATLAB live scripts. For further assistance converting your MuPAD notebooks, contact MathWorks Support.
Converting a MuPAD Notebook (top, left) to a live script (top, right) using the convertMuPADNotebook function (bottom).
The MuPAD Notebook and Resources
Alternatively you can continue to use the MuPAD language directly in the MuPAD Notebook. You can launch the MuPAD Notebook using the MATLAB function mupad or by clicking the Apps tab in the MATLAB Toolstrip.
Notebook Examples
- Computing Indefinite and Definite Integrals (Example)
- Using Derivatives to Find Maxima, Minima, and Inflection Points (Example)
- Modeling Aircraft Wing Loads (Example)
- Analytical Modeling of Aircraft Wing Loads with MATLAB and Symbolic Math Toolbox (Article)
- Modeling a Mass-Spring-Damper System (Example)
- Dynamic Analysis of a DC Motor (Example)
- Modeling the Motion of a Double Pendulum (Example)
- Modeling the Power Generated by a Wind Turbine (Example)
- Modeling the Motion of an Automotive Piston (Example)
- Calculating Jacobians of Nelson Siegel and Svensson Models (Example)
- Modeling the Velocity of a Paratrooper (Example)
- Developing an Algorithm to Undistort Pixel Locations of an Image (Example)
Software Reference
- MuPAD Language and Notebook Interface (Getting Started Guide)
- MuPAD functions in Symbolic Math Toolbox (Function List)
See also: MATLAB, analytical solution, mathematical modeling, MuPAD videos
Contact Technical Expert
Contact the Symbolic Math Toolbox technical expert, Sarah Palfreyman