# Assigning Values to Variables in Matlab

MatlabBasics → Variables in Matlab

Like all programming languages, we can declare variables in Matlab and can assign values to them. When a variable is given a value, that value is actually placed in the memory space assigned to the variable. Matlab shows all the declared variables and their values in the right column. For example, assign value 5 to variable x, 7 to variable y, and 12 to variable z and press Enter.

Figure: Assigning Values to Variables in Matlab

Now, suppose we have to find the value of $A$ when $A=x+y+z$ where $x=20, y=11$, and $z=-3$. We can find it in the following way.

```>> x=20; >> y=11; >> z=-3; >> A=x+y+z A = 28```

We can also write the above code in the following way.

```>> x=20; y=11; z=-3; >> A=x+y+z A = 28```

Notice that if a semicolon is typed at the end of the command and Enter key is pressed, the Matlab stored the variable in the memory but does not display it. Besides, it is a good practice to declare all the variables on the same line.

Example Suppose \$1,000 is deposited in a savings account that earns compounded interest at a rate of 10% per year. How much will be in the account after 2 years if interest is compounded:
(a) Monthly
(b) Weekly

Solution
(a) When interest is compounded monthly, the Matlab code is

```>> P=1000; r=0.1; t=2; n=12; >> A=P*(1+r/n)^(n*t) A = 1220.39```

(b) When interest is compounded weekly, the Matlab code is

```>> P=1000; r=0.1; t=2; n=52; >> A=P*(1+r/n)^(n*t) A = 1221.17```

NOTE: Matlab is case-sensitive, that means a≠A. Consider the following example,

```>> a=10; A=15; b=20; B=25; >> C=a+b C = 30```

```>> D=A+B D = 40```

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