How to input a matrix of unknown dimensions into a function?

function avg_vals = function_name(A)

A = %This is where I'm confused

avg_vals = mean(A,2);

end

I'm trying to create a function that will accept a matrix (A) that contains an unspecified number of rows and columns. I want it to then average the rows (rather than columns) and return those values as a column vector. It could be that I'm approaching this from the totally wrong angle, so any advice is welcome.

Answer 1

[Ahmed A. Selman]

A is an input argument passed from function call function_name(A). SO, DELETE THIS LINE from the beginning, you do not need to input A a second time :)

function avg_vals = function_name(A)

A = % and this is where I am truly confused. Delete this line

avg_vals = mean(A,2);

end

When you want to work with this function, use:

ex1.:

A=1:10; % This is a 1-D vector
function_name(A)

ex2.

A=magic(4); % This is a 2-D matrix
function_name(A)

[Leah]

I have tried entering values into the function that you suggest above, and it returns an "Unexpected MATLAB expression" error. Is it that I am entering them in the wrong format? In the command window I enter:

function_name(1 2 3; 4 5 6; 7 8 9)

To simulate a matrix that could feasibly be entered, and it returns the error message that I mentioned above.

EDIT: I tried entering in a single value, 1, into the function and it returned 1 as the average value. So it seems that my main issue is that this function will not accept a matrix of any size (nor a row or column vector).

[James Tursa]

A matrix is entered using the square brackets. So try this instead:

function_name([1 2 3; 4 5 6; 7 8 9])

Everything inside the [...] is treated as a single matrix.

[Leah]

That did the trick!

Thank you for your help!