element-by-element-power#

Purpose#

Raises each element of a matrix to a power.

y = a .^ b

param a:

Base.

type a:

matrix, vector, or scalar

param b:

Exponent.

type b:

matrix, vector, or scalar

return y:

Each element of a raised to the corresponding power in b.

rtype y:

matrix

x = { 1, 2, 3, 4 };
y = x .^ 2;

y =    1.0000000
       4.0000000
       9.0000000
      16.0000000

a = { 2, 3, 4 };
b = { 3, 2, 1 };
y = a .^ b;

y =    8.0000000
       9.0000000
       4.0000000

Both operands must have the same dimensions, or one must be a scalar.
For matrix exponentiation (repeated matrix multiplication), use a loop or dedicated functions.
Note: The standalone ^ character (without the leading dot) is used as a string dereference operator for substituting variable values into commands that expect literal strings. For exponentiation, always use .^.