How to set linspace to infinity

Good day, everyone!
This is my code for the 3D plot of the equation Z= (X^2+3*Y^2)*exp(-X^2-Y^2). In my code, I set my linspace to (-2,2) as an example. But I was wondering if there is a way to set the linspace for x, y to (0, inf). If I have tried writing that way, no change occurred. (I assume it's an error). Following is my code. x=linspace(-2,2); y=linspace(-2,2); [X,Y] = meshgrid(x,y); Z=(X.^2+3*Y.^2)*exp(-X.^2-Y.^2); meshz(X,Y,Z)
Thank you.

 Accepted Answer

jgg
jgg on 8 May 2016
Edited: jgg on 8 May 2016
No, this isn't possible because linspace generates a uniformly spaced vector over the two endpoints. Such a vector on (0,Inf) would have an infinite number of entries and would not be practical. (For example, if would take an infinite amount of memory).
A good alternative would be to identify a limit where the behaviour of your function is "close" to the limiting behavior you want to view then using that point instead. Since your function is exponential, something like:
x = linspace(0,10); y = linspace(0,10);
is probably sufficient.

4 Comments

Thank you for your answer. It seems like I wasn't so clear on the function of linspace. I tried the linspace values that you have suggested, I didn't get the results that I was expecting. Is there any other way to generate graphs of functions without using linspace? The mathematical questions that I am trying to plot right now already come with answers. And in those sample models, there aren't endpoints. I am a bit confused... Thank you very much.
You'll have to be more specific. Otherwise, just plot them out to some big number and see where the graphs level off to some steady state or asymptote, if they do.
Give logspace a go. It might at least help you describe your function at extreme values.
Thank you for your kind answer.

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