4.2) Scalars

In Matlab, a scalar is a variable with one row and one column (2D array of size 1x1)
Scalars are the simplest variables that we use and manipulate in simple algebraic equations
Can be single real or complex numbers
To create a scalar you simply introduce it on the left hand side of an equals sign

[matlab]
>> x = 1;
>> y = 2;
>> z = x + y;
[/matlab]

Matlab supports the standard scalar operations using an obvious notation. The following statements demonstrate scalar addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

[matlab]
>> u = 4;
>> v = 3;
>> w = u + v
>> x = u * v
>> y = u / v
[/matlab]

When you previously used Matlab as a simple calculator, Matlab created a scalar value called "ans" to store your answer