trying to use syms and i typed in syms('y') says error

y = syms('y')

Error using syms

Using input and output arguments simultaneously is not supported.

Answer 1

[Dyuman Joshi]

If you are using syms, the syntax to define a variable is -

syms y
whos

  Name        Size            Bytes  Class    Attributes

  cmdout      1x33               66  char               
  y           1x1                 8  sym                

The sytanx you were using is for a different function called sym -

%Clear the initial variable
clear y
whos

  Name        Size            Bytes  Class    Attributes

  cmdout      1x33               66  char               

%Define via sym()
y = sym('y');
whos

  Name        Size            Bytes  Class    Attributes

  cmdout      1x33               66  char               
  y           1x1                 8  sym                

As you can see, the result of both is the same. Choose the function and the corresponding syntax you like.

[Bastian]

Still showing the same error despite doing this. could it be that it dosent work on newer versions of matlab? Since i also had trouble using Function before as it would not save file as the naem stated in the section where it states what you are trying to find

[Dyuman Joshi]

Please show what you tried.

It is working on R2023b as you can see on the top right corner of my answer above.

[Bastian]

>> syms x

>> y = syms ('y')

Error using syms

Using input and output arguments simultaneously is not supported.

>> syms y

>> whos

Name Size Bytes Class Attributes

x 1x1 8 sym

y 1x1 8 sym

>> clear y

>> whos

Name Size Bytes Class Attributes

x 1x1 8 sym

>> y=syms('y');

Error using syms

Using input and output arguments simultaneously is not supported.

[Dyuman Joshi]

You are mixing up two different things.

I'll reiterate, Either use this

syms y

or use this

y = sym('y')

Both functions are different, the first one has an extra s in its spelling.

[Bastian]

ah ok thank you very much sorry just didnt read properly

[Dyuman Joshi]

You're welcome.

No need to be sorry, it is kinda confusing initially.

If my answer solved your problem, please consider accept it.