Matlab: factorials without for loops or colon

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on creating a MATLAB function to calculate the factorial of a positive integer without utilizing for loops, while loops, the built-in factorial function, or the colon operator. Participants emphasize the use of recursion as the primary method to achieve this. The solution involves defining a recursive function that multiplies the integer by the factorial of the integer minus one until it reaches the base case of one. This approach effectively demonstrates the power of recursion in MATLAB programming.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of MATLAB programming syntax
  • Familiarity with recursive function design
  • Knowledge of base cases in recursion
  • Concept of factorial in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "MATLAB recursive functions" for detailed implementation techniques
  • Explore "MATLAB base case examples" to understand recursion termination
  • Learn about "tail recursion" in MATLAB for optimization
  • Investigate "MATLAB function handles" for advanced function manipulation
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics enthusiasts, MATLAB programmers, and anyone interested in algorithm design without iterative constructs.

koryargonic
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The Problem: Write a function that finds the factorial of a positive integer without using for or while loops, the factorial function, or the : range operator.

Honestly, I don't really know how to start with this one. If I were able to use a for loop it would be easy, and I don't see how I can do this with conditionals. Any ideas/hints?
 
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Think recursion.
 
Ooh, thanks. I got it.
 

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