Functions: ans at end...where it is coming from?

In entering the following function:

    function [ft,in] = MetricToImperial(m)
  % Input: m = measurement in metres
  % Outputs: ft = number of feet
  %          in = number of inches

m = 2;
% Calculate the total number of cms
cm = m * 100;

% Calculate the total number of inches
totalInches = cm/2.54;

% Calculate the total number of feet, ignoring the value after decimal
ft = floor(totalInches/12)

% Find the remaining number of inches
in = totalInches - 12*ft

   return

When running the function matlab returns:

EDU>> MetricToImperial

ft =

       6

in =

      6.7402
  ans =

6

Now i was wondering why I get the ans = 6 at the end. All i want is the ft and in answer. I have tested it as a script and it works that way so I know it must be something to do with my inputs and outputs.

I have also noticed if I leave line 1 as

 function [] = MetricToImperial(m)

it gives me the result I want - so something is wrong as I'm saying there's no output variables but there is.

Is this the correct way to create a function? I am very new to this so any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

[kjetil87]

It is because you are typing:

>> MetricToImperial

and nothing more. Since your are not assigning MetricToImperial output to anything, and neither supressing the function in the matlab command line, the first output "in" will be returned as

ans

where ans in this case is the answer from your function.

Try this if it is not yet clear:

>> [out1,out2]=MetricToImperial

>> [out1,out2]=MetricToImperial;

>> MetricToImperial;

>> out1=MetricToImperial

The frist will return

    out1=
         6

    out2=
         6.7402

while number two will write nothing in the command window but it will assign the outputs out1 and out2.

etc

So the ans=6 is not random at all, it is the returned value from your function.

Answer 2

[Honglei Chen]

The first two answer you get is due to the fact you didn't end the corresponding lines in your function with semi-colon. The ans is populated because your function has an output but the output is not specified when you invoke the function. You should add semi-colon behind both lines and invoke the function as

[ft,in] = MetricToImperial

Finally your input, m, does not seem to be used at all.

[Anna]

I noticed matlab telling me the m was not being used but isn't my measurement of 2m (m = 2) my input?

[Walter Roberson]

You might intend it as your input, but you are assigning it in the function, making it useless to pass it as your input. You probably should not be assigning it in your function.

[Anna]

Upon your comment I have realized what you meant so line 1 to reads:

function [ft,in] = MetricToImperial(m)

and when calling the function I still get that random ans = 6. I have put semi-colons after every line.