Re: Syntax for defining unknown variables in Octave ie x = sym("x").

[Ben Abbott]

On Friday, August 01, 2008, at 10:39PM, "Russell jarvis" <address@hidden> wrote:
>I am trying to figure out if the Matlab syntax for defining symbols
>generally works in Octave such as in the below example.
>
>< > x = sym("x")
>< > y = sym("y")
>< > (x + 6 ) * y
>< ans = y*(6.0+x)
>
>When ever I try anything like this in Octave I get error messages. I
>wonder if there is an alternative approach to defining unknown
>variables in Octave?
>
>I have looked through the Octave documentation, but I have not managed
>to find a relevant topic or page addressing this issue.
>
>If anyone can help, or guide me to a page that would be cool.

hmmm ... from Matlab

>> help sym

sym not found.

Use the Help browser Search tab to search the documentation, or
type "help help" for help command options, such as help for methods.

>> 

The function you are attempting to use is part of Mathworks symbolic toolbox, 
... which is an embedded version of Maple.

Octave also has a symbolic "toolbox" ... which may meet your needs.

        http://octave.sourceforge.net/doc/funref_symbolic.html

Ben