Convert a symbolic equation to a vector equation

I would like to be able to input a multi-variate symbolic equation into MATLAB and convert that equation into a function which takes in a vector. I know that matlabFunction() can turn this symbolic function into a function handle, but that equation does not take in a vector, but rather a list of inputs. -Is there a command which will convert my symbolic expression to a vector equation? -If not, is there a way to convert the function handle returned by matlabFunction() to one that takes in a vector?

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Start with

S = vectorize(char(EXPRESSION))

To turn that in to an anonymous function depends upon your MATLAB version. If you have a very new version, you can use

f = str2func(['@(x) ' S]);

The (x) should be whatever list of symbolic names is in your symbolic expression.

If you do not have one of the very newest versions, then you:

eval(['f = @(x) ' S]);

Yes, ugly and evil, but we have to play the hand we are dealt.

[Daniel Shub]

I think f = eval(['@(x) ' S]); might be a bit safer and easier to deal with since you are not poofing a variable into the workspace.

[Walter Roberson]

Good point, Daniel.