Numeric types (double, single, integer) in MATLAB - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the default numeric type in MATLAB?

The default numeric type in MATLAB is double precision floating-point.

beginner

How do you create a single precision number in MATLAB?

Use the single() function to convert a number to single precision, e.g., a = single(3.14);.

beginner

What is the difference between integer types and floating-point types in MATLAB?

Integer types store whole numbers without fractions, while floating-point types (double, single) can store numbers with decimals.

intermediate

Name three integer types available in MATLAB.

Three integer types in MATLAB are int8, int16, and int32. There are also unsigned versions like uint8.

intermediate

What happens if you assign a decimal number to an integer type variable in MATLAB?

MATLAB truncates the decimal number toward zero and stores only the integer part, discarding the fractional part.

Which numeric type is used by default when you write x = 5; in MATLAB?

A double

B single

C int32

D uint8

By default, MATLAB stores numbers as double precision floating-point.

How do you convert a number to single precision in MATLAB?

A Use <code>int8()</code>

B Use <code>uint16()</code>

C Use <code>double()</code>

D Use <code>single()</code>

The single() function converts numbers to single precision.

Which of these is NOT an integer type in MATLAB?

A single

B int16

C uint8

D int32

single is a floating-point type, not an integer type.

What happens if you assign 3.7 to an int8 variable?

A It stores 3.7

B It stores 4

C It stores 3

D It causes an error

MATLAB truncates the decimal part and stores only the integer part.

Which numeric type uses the least memory in MATLAB?

A double

B int8

C single

D int32

int8 uses 1 byte, which is less than single (4 bytes) and double (8 bytes).

Explain the differences between double, single, and integer numeric types in MATLAB.

Think about precision, memory size, and value types.

Describe what happens when you assign a decimal number to an integer variable in MATLAB.

Consider how MATLAB handles fractional parts for integers.