Saving a matrix with a variable that could take any value

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Hi guys,
I would like to save a matrix, by where there is a variable that could take on any value. This is the matrix I would like to save and call up in any script at any time:
SM = [12/L^3 6/L^2 -12/L^3 6/L^2;
4/L -6/L^2 2/L 6/L^2;
-12/L^3 -6/L^2 12/L^3 -6/L^2;
2/L -6/L^2 4/L 6/L^2]
The variable in this case is 'L'.
How can I do this?
Many thanks!

Accepted Answer

Torsten
Torsten on 21 Jan 2026 at 0:24
Edited: Torsten on 21 Jan 2026 at 1:04
Either define the matrix as a function handle
SM = @(L)[12/L^3 6/L^2 -12/L^3 6/L^2;
4/L -6/L^2 2/L 6/L^2;
-12/L^3 -6/L^2 12/L^3 -6/L^2;
2/L -6/L^2 4/L 6/L^2];
SM(2)
ans = 4×4
1.5000 1.5000 -1.5000 1.5000 2.0000 -1.5000 1.0000 1.5000 -1.5000 -1.5000 1.5000 -1.5000 1.0000 -1.5000 2.0000 1.5000
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or as a function
Lmat = matrix(2)
Lmat = 4×4
1.5000 1.5000 -1.5000 1.5000 2.0000 -1.5000 1.0000 1.5000 -1.5000 -1.5000 1.5000 -1.5000 1.0000 -1.5000 2.0000 1.5000
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function Lmat = matrix(L)
Lmat = [12/L^3 6/L^2 -12/L^3 6/L^2;
4/L -6/L^2 2/L 6/L^2;
-12/L^3 -6/L^2 12/L^3 -6/L^2;
2/L -6/L^2 4/L 6/L^2];
end
If you save the function as "matrix.m" in your working directory, it can be called from any script at any time.

More Answers (1)

dpb
dpb on 21 Jan 2026 at 0:30
The matrix is undefined unless and until L is defined -- barring symbolic variable.
The easiest solution it would appear would be to create it as an anonymous function
SM = @(L)[12/L^3 6/L^2 -12/L^3 6/L^2;
4/L -6/L^2 2/L 6/L^2;
-12/L^3 -6/L^2 12/L^3 -6/L^2;
2/L -6/L^2 4/L 6/L^2];
L=1;
M=SM(L)
M = 4×4
12 6 -12 6 4 -6 2 6 -12 -6 12 -6 2 -6 4 6
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You can save/load SM at will to evaluate when needed with whatever L is needed...
L=pi;
M=SM(L)
M = 4×4
0.3870 0.6079 -0.3870 0.6079 1.2732 -0.6079 0.6366 0.6079 -0.3870 -0.6079 0.3870 -0.6079 0.6366 -0.6079 1.2732 0.6079
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