1. Solve Linear Systems of Equations Using MATLAB

Students will be able to set up and solve linear systems of equations in MATLAB, applying appropriate commands for matrix manipulation and understanding the solution's significance.

2. Demonstrate Matrix Representation for Linear Systems 

Students will accurately represent linear systems in matrix form and use inverse or backslash operations in MATLAB to solve these systems.

3. Simplify Polynomial Expressions in MATLAB 

Students will simplify polynomial expressions by using MATLAB commands, demonstrating an understanding of polynomial structure and simplification methods.

4. Utilize MATLAB Commands for Polynomial Operations 

Students will effectively use MATLAB commands, such as `deconv` for division and `polyval` for evaluation, to perform polynomial operations and find solutions.

5. Plot Polynomial Functions 

Students will plot polynomial functions in MATLAB and identify the roots of these functions.

6. Identify Roots of Polynomials 

Students will determine the roots of simplified polynomials using MATLAB.

7. Communicate Problem-Solving Process and Results Clearly 

Students will communicate the steps and rationale behind their problem-solving approach, explaining MATLAB code and results clearly to demonstrate their understanding.

This is a lab activity that takes approximately 180 minutes to complete. It is geared towards 1st year university students. Students only need an introductory experience with MATLAB. Students must be familiar with the mathematical concepts of simultaneous equations and polynomials to fully appreciate this exercise. This activity can be adapted to other settings which involve the use of systems of simultaneous equations or polynomials.

The activity is fully explained in the supporting documentation. Students are required to read through the explanations and work through each section using only MATLAB. The activity can be done using other software. The main reason for selecting MATLAB is to familiarize students with the environment so that they can comfortably utilize MATLAB in succeeding levels of their undergraduate tenure to solve more complex engineering problems.
Student Activity - Systems of Equations (Acrobat (PDF) 285kB Oct5 24)

Students do not usually have problems using MATLAB for this assignment. However, some students have problems interpreting the results of the computation. This is dependent on their mathematical inclination.

Students have met the goals of this assignment when they have produced the correct mathematical solutions and plotted the correct graphs.