1

LESSON OUTCOMES
At the end of this topic, the students will be
able:

To define an overview of Matlab and Excel

as a tool in Chemical Engineering
application.

To describe the important components of

Matlab Window
 Outline

1.0 Introduction To Matlab & Excel

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Starting and Quitting Matlab
1.3 Overview of Matlab Windows

1.3.1 Command Window

1.3.2 Command History
1.3.3 Workspace

3
 Introduction
MATLAB is a high-performance language for technical
computing. It integrates computation, visualization,
and programming in an easy-to-use environment
where problems and solutions are expressed in
familiar mathematical notation.

Typical uses include

Math and computation
Algorithm development
Data acquisition
Modeling, simulation, and prototyping
Data analysis, exploration, and visualization
Scientific and engineering graphics
Application development, including graphical user
interface building 4
 Excel spreadsheet produced by
Microsoft, Inc.
Special type of mathematical software that
allow user to enter and perform
calculations on rows and columns of data
computerized version of a large
accounting worksheet on which large
interconnected calculations can be
implemented and displayed.
Numerical capabilities including equation
solving, curve fitting and optimization.
5
 MATLAB and Excel are tool which
can be used to performed the
numerical methods calculation.

Whereby iteration can be done in a

shorter time as compared to the
manual calculation.

This course will look into both the

MATLAB as well as the EXCEL.

6
 In engineering field, MATLAB and Excel
can be used to:
Determine the mathematical model that
represent the real condition of the
engineering situation. Using the determine
mathematical model, data can be predicted
without performing any experimental work.
Determine the optimum condition of the
engineering process. (eg.. the best
temperature, pressure to get the maximum
yield)
Determine the statistical data of the
engineering work. (eg..the lowest yield, the
average..)
7
For Chemical Engineering student, MATLAB
and Excel will be used in

Numerical Methods and Optimization

Process Modeling and Simulation
Research Project
Design Project
Etc.

8
 Starting and Quitting MATLAB

Start MATLAB by double-clicking the

MATLAB shortcut icon on your
Windows desktop.

The MATLAB desktop appears,

containing tools (graphical user
interfaces) for managing files, variables
and applications associated with
MATLAB.

9
 To quit your MATLAB session, select
File > Exit MATLAB in the desktop, or
type quit in the Command Window.

A confirmation dialog box will

appear for quitting confirmation. To
set this option, select File >
Preferences > General >
Confirmation Dialogs, and select the
check box for Confirm before exiting
MATLAB.

10
Overview of MATLAB Window

11
 Command Window

Use the Command Window to enter

variables, to run functions and M-file scripts
and type commands.

The answers or error messages appear

here.

Press the up arrow key to recall a statement

that previously typed. Edit the statement as
needed and then press Enter to run it.

The cursor flickering after the prompt >>

means Matlab is waiting for further
instructions
12
 Command History

Statements that enter in the Command

Window are logged in the Command
History.

From the Command History, the previously

run statements can be viewed, as well as
copy and execute selected statements. The
M-file from selected statements can also be
created.

13
 Workspace

The MATLAB workspace consists of the set of

variables (named arrays) built up during a
MATLAB session and stored in memory.

You add variables to the workspace by using

functions, running M-files, and loading saved
workspaces.

14
 To view the workspace and information
about each variable, use the Workspace
browser, or use the functions 'who' and
'whos'.

To delete variables from the workspace,

select the variables and select Edit >
Delete.

Alternatively, use the 'clear all' function to

delete the variable in workspace.

15
 The workspace is not maintained after you
end the MATLAB session. To save the
workspace to a file that can be read during a
later MATLAB session, select File > Save, or
use the save function.

To clear all the information in command

window, use the 'clear' function.

Get information about your MathWorks

products using the Help browser.

16