Axis control and formatting in MATLAB - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What MATLAB command sets the limits of the x-axis?

The xlim command sets the limits of the x-axis. For example, xlim([0 10]) sets the x-axis to range from 0 to 10.

intermediate

How do you change the scale of an axis to logarithmic in MATLAB?

Use the set(gca, 'XScale', 'log') or set(gca, 'YScale', 'log') command to change the x-axis or y-axis scale to logarithmic.

beginner

What does the MATLAB command axis equal do?

The command axis equal adjusts the plot so that the units are the same length on both x and y axes, making circles look like circles, not ellipses.

beginner

How can you add grid lines to a MATLAB plot?

Use the command grid on to add grid lines to the current plot, which helps in reading values more easily.

intermediate

Explain how to customize tick marks on an axis in MATLAB.

You can customize tick marks using xticks and yticks. For example, xticks([0 2 4 6]) sets x-axis ticks at 0, 2, 4, and 6.

Which command sets the y-axis limits to range from 1 to 100 in MATLAB?

A set(gca, 'YLim', [0 1])

B xlim([1 100])

C axis([1 100])

D ylim([1 100])

The ylim command sets the limits of the y-axis. ylim([1 100]) sets it from 1 to 100.

What does axis tight do in a MATLAB plot?

A Removes axis labels

B Makes axis scales logarithmic

C Sets axis limits to fit the data tightly

D Sets equal scaling on both axes

axis tight adjusts the axis limits to fit the data snugly without extra space.

How do you turn off grid lines in a MATLAB plot?

A grid off

B grid remove

C grid false

D no grid

The command grid off disables grid lines on the plot.

Which command changes the x-axis scale to logarithmic?

A xlog()

B set(gca, 'XScale', 'log')

C logscale x

D axis logx

Use set(gca, 'XScale', 'log') to set the x-axis to logarithmic scale.

What does axis equal ensure in a plot?

A Equal length units on x and y axes

B Equal number of ticks on both axes

C Equal axis limits

D Equal font size on axis labels

axis equal makes sure one unit on x is the same length as one unit on y.

Describe how to control axis limits and scales in MATLAB plots.

Think about commands that set limits and change linear to logarithmic scale.

Explain how to format a MATLAB plot to improve readability using axis control and grid lines.

Consider commands that adjust ticks, aspect ratio, and add grid lines.