error with 'syms'

Hello

I have a problem with use 'syms' function

I want to execute the code below

-----------------------------

syms x y

f=x^2+y

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but the error message 'Execute script syms as a function is not supported'

I have installed the symbolic toolbox. How can i execute the code??

thanks a lot

[KSSV]

How did you try to run the lines of code? Show us the full code and your approach.

[Jihun Gil]

syms x y

f=x^2+y

-----------------------

above is full code i tried. but the error message shown, and error is from line with ('syms x y')

I think syms function is not working, but I have no idea why.

I have symbolic math toolbox installed

[KSSV]

What does this show?

which syms

/MATLAB/toolbox/symbolic/symbolic/syms.m

[Jihun Gil]

C:\Users\USER\Desktop\syms.m

this message shown

[Jihun Gil]

C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2021b\toolbox\symbolic\symbolic\@sym\sym.m % sym constructor

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when typing 'which sym', above message shown. What's the difference?

[KSSV]

In the path: @sym this might be creating a problem.... How did you install tool box?

[Jihun Gil]

through the "addon explorer" on the upper tab of matlab programm. (sorry mine is in korean, I cannot sure that "addon explorer" is right term in english)

[KSSV]

I have no idea...I think the problem is with the path due @, but I am not sure. Let's see some one can answer the real solution.

[Jihun Gil]

I got the problem! one of my old m-file was named 'syms.m'. I changed the name of that file, and 'syms' function works now. Sorry for bothering you with my foolish mistake, and i really appreciate your effort. thank you

[KSSV]

Huumh....thats the real problem. Good problem is solved.

[Jihun Gil]

checking path of functions was helpful. appreciated!

[Stephen23]

"I think the problem is with the path due @"

In fact the @ in the folder path simply tells us that the folder defines a class:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_oop/organizing-classes-in-folders.html

The actual problem was that the OP shadowed SYMS here:

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/1641835-error-with-syms#comment_1967735

and confirmed here:

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/1641835-error-with-syms#comment_1967780

Answer 1

[Shubham]

Hi Jihun,

The error message you're seeing, "Execute script syms as a function is not supported," typically occurs when there is a conflict with the syms function. This usually happens if there is a script or a file named syms.m in your current directory or MATLAB path that is shadowing the built-in syms function from the Symbolic Math Toolbox.

Here are steps you can take to resolve this issue:

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Check for Conflicting Files:

• Use the which command to check if there is a conflicting file named syms.m in your path:

which syms -all

• This command will list all instances of syms that MATLAB can find. Ensure that the first entry in the list is the built-in function from the Symbolic Math Toolbox.

2. Remove or Rename Conflicting Files:

• If you find a syms.m file in your current directory or elsewhere in your MATLAB path that is not part of the Symbolic Math Toolbox, consider renaming or removing it to prevent conflicts.

3. Clear the Path Cache:

• After removing or renaming any conflicting files, clear the path cache to refresh MATLAB's function path:

rehash toolboxcache