Function handles in MATLAB - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a function handle in MATLAB?

A function handle is a MATLAB data type that stores a reference to a function. It allows you to call the function indirectly and pass it as an argument to other functions.

beginner

How do you create a function handle for a built-in function like sin?

You create it using the @ symbol followed by the function name without parentheses, like this: f = @sin;

beginner

How can you use a function handle to call the function it refers to?

You use the function handle variable followed by parentheses with input arguments, for example: result = f(pi/2); calls the function and stores the output.

intermediate

What is an anonymous function in MATLAB and how is it related to function handles?

An anonymous function is a simple function you define in one line without a separate file. It is created using a function handle with the syntax: f = @(x) x^2;. The variable f is a function handle to this anonymous function.

intermediate

Why are function handles useful in MATLAB programming?

They let you pass functions as inputs to other functions, store functions in variables, and create flexible, reusable code. For example, you can pass a function handle to <code>integral</code> to compute integrals of different functions easily.

How do you create a function handle for the MATLAB function cos?

A f = function cos;

B f = cos();

C f = #cos;

D f = @cos;

Use the @ symbol followed by the function name without parentheses to create a function handle.

What does the following code do? <br>f = @(x) x + 5;

A Creates a function handle to multiply x by 5

B Calls a function named x + 5

C Creates a function handle to add 5 to input x

D Defines a variable x with value 5

The code defines an anonymous function that adds 5 to its input x and stores it in a function handle f.

How do you call a function handle f with input 10?

A f(10);

B call f with 10;

C f->10;

D f[10];

You call a function handle like a normal function using parentheses and passing the input.

Which of these is NOT a use of function handles?

A Passing functions as arguments

B Declaring variables of type integer

C Creating anonymous functions

D Storing functions in variables

Function handles are for referencing functions, not for declaring integer variables.

What will integral(@sin, 0, pi) do?

A Calculate the integral of sin(x) from 0 to pi

B Create a function handle named integral

C Return the sine of pi

D Cause an error because integral is not a function handle

The integral function takes a function handle and integration limits to compute the definite integral.

Explain what a function handle is in MATLAB and how you create one.

Think about how you refer to a function without calling it.

Describe how anonymous functions relate to function handles and give a simple example.

Anonymous functions are quick, one-line functions stored as handles.